Your thyroid gland is located in the front lower part of your neck, in front of your windpipe. Its role is producing thyroid hormones that regulate the function of quite literally every cell and tissue in the body. When your thyroid’s function is disrupted, it can cause a lot of issues in other areas of the body and affect your metabolism and even your energy levels.
Some of these include:
- Goiters
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Thyroid Nodules
- Thyroid Cancer
- Salivary Gland Disorders
Dr. Ray at Southern Arizona ENT has been diagnosing and treating Thyroid, Parathyroid, Neck Masses, and Salivary Conditions since 2006.
Thyroid Issues
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck that produces hormones and its primary role is to control the speed of your metabolism. Thyroid disorders can affect quite of lot of other areas of your health such as mood, energy level, heart rate, bone health and many others.
Sometimes the thyroid develops solid or fluid-filled lumps and it begins to disrupt the role that the thyroid plays. Thyroid nodules are fairly easy to spot and are often found during routine checks from a doctor or ENT specialist. Nodules may be a singular or you might have multiple nodules. Dr. Ray routinely checks for thyroid nodules and if found, properly diagnose and treat our patients.
Head and Neck Cancer
If you are worried that you have head or neck cancer, or want to evaluate a second opinion, we are here to help. Head and neck cancer affects about 10% of all diagnosed cancers in the United States, and is more common in men over the age of 50. The good news is that if it is detected early, head and neck cancer is very treatable.
Many types of head and neck cancer affects the nasal passages, mouth, throat, larynx, neck, thyroid, and salivary glands. Symptoms include a lump or sore throat that just won’t go away, a sore that doesn’t heal, difficulty swallowing, or a significant change in or added hoarseness to the voice. Using tobacco products or alcohol has been proven to increases your risk.
Treatments can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of treatments based on the type and advanced nature of the cancer. If you suspect you might have head or neck cancer, please don’t wait to make an appointment.
Make an appointment today
If you believe you may have a mass in your neck, or that you may be experiencing thyroid related symptoms, please give us a call today and we’ll set up an appointment immediately to identify what you are feeling.