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Endocrinology Center: Thyroid

The Thyroid Center at Mercy, a division of The Center for Endocrinology at Mercy, is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal disorders, provides care with compassion and dignity, and offers renowned physician expertise. The center offers ultrasound guided biopsies and nuclear isotope therapies.

The thyroid is a two-lobed gland that bridges the windpipe, or trachea at the base of the neck. It secretes the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Normal growth and metabolism depend on having the proper amount of these hormones circulating throughout the body.

Various disorders can result if hormones circulating in the blood are not maintained at appropriate levels. Both an excess of thyroid hormone and a deficiency can affect the body. When a thyroid disorder is suspected, there are tests that can be performed to check for the levels of various hormones secreted by the thyroid gland. Low concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) can be a sign of hyperthyroidism, whereas high levels may indicate hypothyroidism.

Women are more likely than men to develop virtually all forms of thyroid disorders. Treatment varies from condition to condition so it is important to be monitored if a problem is suspected.

Types of Thyroid Disorders

Hyperthyroidism
Excessive thyroid hormone leads to a state in which the body's metabolic rate is increased. Symptoms such as weight loss, heart palpitations, mood swings, muscle weakness, diarrhea, and in many cases, protruding eyes may result.

Hypothyroidism
Deficient levels of thyroid hormone slow the metabolic rate, producing a state called hypothyroidism. Symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, intolerance of cold temperatures, muscle cramps, and if untreated, possibly life-threatening symptoms.

Thyroid Tests

Nuclear Isotope Therapy
A radioactive iodine is injected into the blood followed by an x-ray of the thyroid. An increased amount of radioactive material indicates hyperthyroidism, while a decreased amount indicates hypothyroidism.

Ultrasound Guided Biopsy
Use of sound waves (ultrasound) to extract abnormal tissue from the thyroid for examination under a microscope.

Blood Tests
A blood sample is taken to measure the hormone levels in the blood.

Fine-needle Aspiration
During this outpatient procedure, a tissue sample is extracted from a nodule by inserting a small needle into the thyroid. The tissue is examined under a microscope to detect cancer cells.

Now Accepting New Patients.
Most Insurances Accepted.

Please call for an appointment.
Phone: 410-332-9800
Tollfree: 1-800-MD-Mercy (1-800-636-3729)