The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland at the base of your neck and the four tiny parathyroid glands located behind it play crucial roles in regulating your body’s metabolism and calcium balance. When these glands malfunction, they can cause a wide range of symptoms affecting nearly every system in your body. Proper diagnosis and treatment by an experienced specialist is essential for restoring balance and health.
Dr. Michael Cohen has formed a team that provides comprehensive care for thyroid and parathyroid disorders throughout Long Island, combining extensive ENT expertise with advanced diagnostic techniques and surgical skills.
Our Expertise and Philosophy
With over 25 years as a board-certified otolaryngologist, Dr. Michael Cohen has formed a team with specialized experience in the treatment of thyroid and parathyroid conditions. The delicate anatomy of the neck requires surgical precision and a thorough understanding of the complex structures surrounding these glands—expertise that Dr. Cohen and his team have refined through years of focused care.
The team’s approach focuses on accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment planning, and meticulous surgical technique when necessary. He understands that disorders of these small but powerful glands can significantly impact your quality of life and works diligently to restore normal function while preserving surrounding vital structures.
Our practice utilizes advanced imaging and laboratory testing to pinpoint the exact nature of your condition, allowing for targeted treatment that addresses the root cause rather than just managing symptoms.
What Are Thyroid and Parathyroid Disorders?
The thyroid and parathyroid glands, though located near each other, serve distinct functions in the body and can develop different disorders.
Thyroid Disorders
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy use, and numerous other bodily functions. Common thyroid disorders include:
- Hyperthyroidism:An overactive thyroid produces excessive thyroid hormones, accelerating the body’s metabolism. Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition, is the most common cause, though toxic nodules and thyroiditis can also trigger hyperthyroidism.
- Hypothyroidism An underactive thyroid produces insufficient thyroid hormones, slowing metabolism. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder, is the leading cause in the United States, though iodine deficiency remains a significant cause worldwide.
- Thyroid Nodules: Abnormal growths within the thyroid gland can be solid or fluid-filled. While most are benign, approximately 5-10% may be cancerous, requiring thorough evaluation and possible surgical removal.
- Goiter: An enlargement of the thyroid gland, often visible as a swelling in the neck, can result from iodine deficiency, Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or multinodular growth. Large goiters may cause compression symptoms affecting breathing or swallowing.
- Thyroid Cancer: Several types of cancer can affect the thyroid gland, with papillary thyroid cancer being the most common. Early detection and appropriate treatment generally lead to excellent outcomes.
Parathyroid Disorders
The four parathyroid glands regulate calcium levels in the blood and bones through the production of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Common parathyroid disorders include:
- Hyperparathyroidism: Excessive production of parathyroid hormone, usually from a benign tumor (adenoma) on one of the four glands, causes elevated blood calcium levels. This can lead to kidney stones, bone fragility, digestive symptoms, and neurological issues.
- Hypoparathyroidism: Inadequate production of parathyroid hormone results in abnormally low calcium levels, which can cause muscle cramps, tingling sensations, and in severe cases, seizures or heart rhythm abnormalities.
- Parathyroid Cancer: Extremely rare, this malignancy accounts for less than 1% of cases of hyperparathyroidism but requires aggressive treatment due to its potential to spread to other organs.
Common Symptoms and Concerns
Thyroid and parathyroid disorders often present with distinctive symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life:
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms
- Unexplained weight loss despite increased appetite
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Nervousness, anxiety, and irritability
- Heat intolerance and increased sweating
- Tremors in the hands and fingers
- Difficulty sleeping and fatigue
- Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
Hypothyroidism Symptoms
- Unexplained weight gain
- Fatigue and increased sensitivity to cold
- Dry skin and hair
- Slowed heart rate and constipation
- Muscle weakness and aches
- Depression and impaired memory
- Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
Parathyroid Disorder Symptoms
- Kidney stones
- Bone pain and fragility
- Abdominal pain and digestive issues
- Excessive urination
- Fatigue and weakness
- Memory problems and difficulty concentrating
- Muscle cramps and tingling sensations
Treatment Options for Thyroid Disorders
Our team at Integrative Ear Nose & Throat develops personalized treatment plans based on your specific condition, symptoms, and preferenc es:
Medication Therapy
- Antithyroid Medications For hyperthyroidism, drugs like methimazole block the production of excess thyroid hormones.
- Thyroid Hormone Replacement For hypothyroidism, synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) replaces what the body isn’t producing naturally.
- Beta-Blockers These medications can help manage symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as rapid heart rate and tremors while other treatments take effect.
Radioactive Iodine Treatment
For hyperthyroidism, particularly Graves’ disease, radioactive iodine can be taken orally to gradually shrink the overactive thyroid tissue. This approach often leads to hypothyroidism, requiring lifelong thyroid hormone replacement.
Surgical Management
Surgical care is led by Dr. Cohen and his team, who specialize in advanced approaches to thyroid disorders when necessary:
- Thyroid Lobectomy: Removal of half the thyroid gland, typically performed when nodules or cancer affect only one lobe.
- Total Thyroidectomy: Complete removal of the thyroid gland, recommended for thyroid cancer, large goiters causing compression symptoms, or certain cases of hyperthyroidism.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: When appropriate, our specialists utilize approaches that minimize incision size and recovery time while maximizing outcomes.
All thyroid surgeries are performed with meticulous attention to preserving the recurrent laryngeal nerves (which control the vocal cords) and the parathyroid gla
Treatment Options for Parathyroid Disorders
Hyperparathyroidism Management
Parathyroidectomy is the definitive treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism is surgical removal of the affected gland(s). Surgical care is led by Dr. Michael Cohen and his experienced team, who are skilled in:
- Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy: Using small incisions and specialized techniques to remove the abnormal gland while minimizing recovery time.
- Four-Gland Exploration: A comprehensive approach when multiple glands are affected or when localization studies are inconclusive.
- Intraoperative PTH: Monitoring Blood tests during surgery confirm the successful removal of all abnormal parathyroid tissue.
Hypoparathyroidism Management
- Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation: Carefully monitored supplementation helps maintain appropriate calcium levels.
- Regular Monitoring: Ongoing laboratory testing ensures that calcium levels remain within the target range.
What to Expect During Surgery
The team at Integrative Ear Nose & Throat ensures that patients are thoroughly prepared for thyroid or parathyroid surgery:
- Pre-Operative Evaluation: Comprehensive testing and assessment to ensure you’re an appropriate candidate for surgery.
- Surgical Planning: Our ENT specialist explains the specific procedure, including the approach, expected outcomes, and potential risks.
- The Procedure: Most thyroid and parathyroid surgeries are performed under general anesthesia and take between 1-3 hours, depending on complexity.
- Recovery Process: Many patients can return home the same day, though overnight observation may be recommended in certain cases. Most individuals can return to non-strenuous activities within 1-2 weeks.
- Follow-Up Care: Regular appointments monitor healing and hormone levels, with medication adjustments as needed to maintain optimal health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thyroid and Parathyroid Disorders
If you undergo a total thyroidectomy, you will need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement. After a thyroid lobectomy, approximately 30% of patients require hormone supplementation, while the remaining 70% maintain adequate hormone production from the remaining lobe.
Dr. Cohen places incisions in natural skin creases where possible and uses advanced closure techniques to minimize scarring. Most patients develop a thin line that fades significantly over time. Scar management strategies can further improve the cosmetic outcome.
Many benign thyroid nodules can be safely monitored with regular ultrasound examinations rather than immediately removed. The decision depends on factors including the nodule’s size, appearance on imaging, FNA biopsy results, and whether it causes symptoms.
For medication treatments of thyroid disorders, improvement typically begins within 2-3 weeks, with full benefit in 6-12 weeks. After parathyroid surgery for hyperparathyroidism, calcium levels normalize rapidly, though symptom improvement varies from immediate relief to gradual improvement over several months.
Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to heart problems, bone loss, and a dangerous condition called thyroid storm. Untreated hypothyroidism may cause high cholesterol, heart failure, and in extreme cases, life-threatening myxedema coma. Untreated hyperparathyroidism increases risk for kidney stones, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular complications.
Why Choose Integrative ENT for Thyroid & Parathyroid Care
At Integrative ENT, Dr. Michael Cohen leads a team experienced in diagnosing and managing parotid masses and tumors, including both benign and malignant conditions. With over 25 years of expertise in head and neck disorders, Dr. Cohen offers precise evaluation and guidance through every stage of care.
- Expert assessment of salivary gland abnormalities using advanced diagnostic tools
- Collaborative care involving radiologists, pathologists, and oncology specialists as needed
- Surgical expertise in parotid mass removal with emphasis on facial nerve preservation
- Personalized treatment planning based on each patient’s diagnosis and needs
- Ongoing follow-up and surveillance to ensure optimal outcomes
Whether addressing a newly discovered mass or providing second-opinion evaluation, our team is committed to delivering the highest level of care with compassion and clarity.
Expert Thyroid and Parathyroid Care Throughout Nassau and Suffolk County
Dr. Cohen and his team provide specialized care for patients with thyroid and parathyroid disorders throughout Long Island. With convenient locations in Syosset and Port Jefferson Station, expert diagnosis and treatment are easily accessible.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that may indicate a thyroid or parathyroid disorder, contact our office today to schedule a consultation. Early evaluation and treatment offer the best opportunity for optimal outcomes and restored quality of life.