Thyroid Treatment
Problems with the thyroid gland are often easy to treat. Most nodules of the thyroid are non cancerous
(benign). Despite this fact they need to be monitored with physical exams which frequently includes
office sonography. If nodules increase in size or change consistency, needle aspirations (FNA)
help to differentiate the benign from the cancerous nodules (malignant).
Although most forms of thyroid cancer are treatable, they require rapid and exacting care with a team
approach to achieve the best results.
Evaluation and Medical History
Before deciding on the best treatment for your thyroid problem, Dr. Klotch will evaluate you. This
evaluation may include a thorough medical history, a physical exam, some tests, and sometimes other special
procedures. These tests and procedures can help Dr. Klotch determine what type of thyroid problem you have
and its cause.
A history helps Dr. Klotch identify your problem and rule out other medical causes. Dr. Klotch will
ask you to describe your symptoms. Be as clear and specific as possible in your description. Dr. Klotch
may want to know about other medical problems you’ve had in the past. Because thyroid problems run in
families, Dr. Klotch will ask whether any other family members have had thyroid problems.
Exams & Tests
Physical Exam: Dr. Klotch will examine your neck and thyroid gland and feel for any enlargement,
nodules, or other changes.
Blood Tests: Blood tests that measure levels of thyroid hormone and TSH in your blood can help
confirm whether your thyroid gland is making too much or too little hormone. Tests that check for immune
system problems may also be done. These tests can help Dr. Klotch diagnose Hashimoto thyroiditis or
Graves’ disease.
Ultrasound Exam: To get a closer look at your thyroid, Dr. Klotch will do an ultrasound exam in
our office, create pictures of your thyroid gland that helps him evaluate nodules. The ultrasound exam can
show how many nodules you have, how large they are, and whether they’re filled with fluid (cystic) or are
solid.
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy can indicate that the thyroid nodule
may be cancerous. It’s a quick and simple test that can be done in our office. A fine needle is passed
into the nodule. Using the needle, Dr. Klotch collects some cells from your thyroid gland and the biopsy
is sent to a laboratory for a diagnosis.
Treatment
When Dr. Klotch has determined what thyroid problem you have and what may have caused it, Dr. Klotch
can develop a plan for treating it. This plan may include taking thyroid hormone pills or medications.
Nodules may be monitored or removed. The thyroid gland itself may be surgically removed (thyroidectomy).
Dr. Klotch will discuss treatment recommendations with you.
Treating Hypothyroidism
Treating Hyperthyroidism
Treating Nodules & Goiter
Thyroid Surgery
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