Thyroid & Parathyroid Tumors

A lump in the neck or an abnormal lab result can be the first sign of a thyroid or parathyroid problem — and while hearing the word “cancer” is never easy, many of these conditions are highly treatable when diagnosed early.

At Grand Rapids Ear, Nose & Throat, our board-certified ENTs (otolaryngologists) evaluate and treat thyroid and parathyroid disorders with skill, clarity, and compassion. Whether you’ve been referred for testing, already have a diagnosis, or are exploring treatment options, we’re here to guide you through the next steps with expert support.

If you’ve been diagnosed or suspect a thyroid or parathyroid issue, schedule a consultation today.

Thyroid and parathyroid tumors may not cause symptoms at first, but signs can include:

• A lump or swelling in the front of the neck
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of something in the throat
• Persistent cough not caused by illness
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
• Thyroid nodules found on imaging or a routine exam
• Elevated calcium levels or abnormal parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels
• Fatigue, bone pain, or kidney stones related to parathyroid overactivity

Diagnosis often begins after a physical exam, imaging, or when lab results point to a possible issue. We may recommend:

• Ultrasound to evaluate the size and appearance of the thyroid nodule
• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy to test for cancerous cells
• Blood tests to assess thyroid function
• CT scan, MRI, nuclear medicine scan, or PET scan to check for spread or staging if cancer is confirmed
• Laryngoscopy to assess vocal cord function before and after surgery

Once we confirm a diagnosis, we’ll help you understand what type of thyroid cancer you have and what treatment options are best for your situation.

Your treatment plan will depend on the type and stage of cancer, along with your overall health and goals. Options may include:

• Thyroidectomy to remove part or all of the thyroid gland
• Parathyroidectomy to remove cancerous or overactive parathyroid tissue
• Lymph node dissection to remove affected lymph nodes in the neck
• Radioactive iodine therapy to destroy any remaining thyroid cells after surgery
• Thyroid hormone replacement therapy to maintain hormone balance after removal
• Active surveillance for small, low-risk tumors that don’t require immediate treatment
• Ongoing monitoring and imaging to detect recurrence

We’ll coordinate your care closely with your endocrinologist and other specialists to ensure comprehensive, connected treatment.