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Thyroid Specialists HELP!!!

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Thyroid Disorders
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Posted 4/15/2011 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all!

I had an ultasound of my thyroid done after my rheumy noticed that my thyroid was enlarged and I was having difficulty swallowing,

My PCP sent me to an Ear Nose and Throat Doctor and she said that I had a multinodular goiter. She scheduled a FNA for next Friday. She said that the nodules were too large to just watch and 2 of the 3 were solid.

My question is... Is an ENT qualified and a good choice of specialists to do a TT if necessary?

I would think I would need an Endo.

I was told that she is one the best of the best in her field and has performed many thyroid surgeries. She was very particular about what pathologist was going to perform the FNA. They use one specific guy because he is the best in his field as well. The scheduler for my ENT said that they have had other pathologists perform this procedure when they didn't want to wait for an appointment only to have the results come back inconclusive and have to do the FNA over again.

I was also told that there will be 2 surgeons actually taking care of my surgery if I need the TT. She will perform the TT and the other surgeon will monito the nerves as she is doing the surgery.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thank you all!!!!

Posted 4/15/2011 9:02 PM (GMT 0)
I assume since the thyroid is part of the throat area that an ENT with experence can do it.
Posted 4/15/2011 11:02 PM (GMT 0)
While endocrinologists manage thyroid problems medically, they do not do surgery. If any surgical intervention is needed, the ENT (who is a surgeon) is the best specialist to do it. Sounds like you're in good hands, and good luck to you.
Posted 4/19/2011 7:30 PM (GMT 0)
I have an very good Endo who does thyroid surgery.  He said that it depends on the experience and expertise of the ENT and the Endo on who performs the surgery. 

For instance, I have a very good ENT doctor who does not operate on thyroid.  Her specialty does not include the thyroid, while the Endo's does.  He has many years of experience and his patients are quite dedicated to him and his expertise that he offers.

Make sure you locate a doctor who is Board Certified (they tend to be a bit better) and ask the doctors the tough questions.  You can't afford to have a doctor make a mistake because they don't "get it".

Good luck.

Posted 4/19/2011 11:17 PM (GMT 0)
Palmyrafan, how lucky you are to have found an endo who is also trained as a surgeon. Generally they are not. Endocrinology is a medical specialty, and in order to also be qualified in surgery, the doctor has to spend the additional time to complete a surgical training residency. Not many do that!
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