Thyroid Disease in West Palm Beach, FL

Name: Thyroid Disease
Brand: AQ Surgery
Rating: 5 (12 reviews)

Thyroid disease encompasses a range of conditions that can disrupt the normal function of the thyroid gland, leading to imbalances that affect overall health and well-being.

Solutions for Complex Thyroid Conditions

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck and plays a crucial role in regulating essential bodily functions. When the thyroid malfunctions, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms and health complications. At AQ Surgery, Dr. Anastasiya Quimby, a board-certified surgeon and head and neck oncology expert, offers comprehensive care and personalized thyroid disease treatment in West Palm Beach to address both function and long-term health.

woman with her fingers on her forehead as she sits down

What Is Thyroid Disease?

The thyroid gland produces hormones that control how the body uses energy. These hormones regulate metabolism, influencing everything from weight management to heart rate. When the thyroid doesn't function properly, it can result in either overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism) or underproduction (hypothyroidism). Thyroid disease can also manifest as nodules, goiters, or thyroid cancer. These conditions can cause various symptoms, including weight changes, fatigue, mood swings, and changes in heart rate.

Common Thyroid Diseases

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This can result from autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid, causing inflammation and reducing its function.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is the opposite of hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that overstimulates the thyroid.

Goiter

A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland caused by iodine deficiency, autoimmune diseases, or other factors.

Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are growths or lumps that form within the thyroid gland. While most are benign and do not cause symptoms, some can be malignant (cancerous).

Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is one of the most serious thyroid disorders. It typically presents as a lump or nodule in the thyroid gland. While it is often slow-growing and treatable, early detection is key to successful outcomes.

Symptoms of Thyroid Disease

Fatigue
Weight gain
Cold intolerance
Dry skin and hair
Constipation

Depression
Rapid heart rate
Unexplained weight loss
Heat intolerance
Anxiety or irritability

Tremors
Excessive sweating
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Discomfort or visible swelling of the neck

Diagnosing Thyroid Disease

Diagnosing thyroid disease typically begins with a physical examination and thoroughly reviewing the patient’s medical history and symptoms. Various tests are used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition:

Blood tests: TSH, T3, and T4 levels are measured to assess thyroid function. High TSH levels may indicate hypothyroidism, while low TSH levels can point to hyperthyroidism.
Imaging: Ultrasound or radioactive iodine scans may be used to visualize the thyroid and detect nodules, goiters, or tumors.
Biopsy: For nodules or suspected cancer, a fine-needle aspiration biopsy can help determine if the growth is benign or malignant.

Thyroid Disease Treatment in West Palm Beach

For milder forms of thyroid disease, patients may benefit from dietary adjustments, including increasing iodine intake or managing autoimmune triggers, stress management, and regular exercise to improve thyroid function. Treatment for hypothyroidism involves hormone replacement therapy, which helps restore the balance of thyroid hormones in the body.

Regular monitoring of thyroid hormone levels is crucial to ensure effective management. For hyperthyroidism or certain types of thyroid cancer, radioactive iodine therapy is used to shrink the thyroid gland or eliminate cancerous cells in a non-invasive and highly effective manner.

However, thyroidectomy may be recommended in cases of thyroid cancer, large goiters, or severe hyperthyroidism. This surgery involves removing part or all of the thyroid gland. Dr. Anastasiya Quimby is highly experienced in performing thyroidectomies at AQ Surgery, ensuring optimal outcomes with a focus on both function and aesthetics.

Why Choose AQ Surgery?

Dr. Anastasiya Quimby is a board-certified surgeon with advanced fellowship training in head and neck oncology, specializing in the treatment of thyroid disease. With her multidisciplinary background in ENT, oncology, and surgery, Dr. Quimby creates individualized treatment plans for each patient, combining advanced diagnostic tools with expert surgical techniques to offer tailored solutions. This approach leads to faster recovery times and better overall outcomes for her patients. By focusing on both functional and aesthetic outcomes, Dr. Quimby ensures her patients receive world-class care, allowing them to lead healthy, fulfilling lives after treatment. With a strong commitment to excellence, she offers expert care that is personalized to meet the unique needs of each patient.

Take Control of Your Thyroid Health With AQ Surgery

Thyroid disease is a complex condition that affects many aspects of health and well-being. Early detection and appropriate treatment are essential for managing symptoms and preventing complications. If you are experiencing symptoms of thyroid disease or have been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder, contact AQ Surgery today to schedule a consultation for quality thyroid disease treatment in West Palm Beach.