COULD YOU BE SUFFERING FROM A THYROID DISORDER? Q & A Featuring: Michael Singer MD, FACS, Otolaryngologist and Shiri Levy, MD, Endocrinologist, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital What is the thyroid gland and what does it do? How can you tell if nodules are cancerous? The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped organ in your neck. It produces a hormone (thyroid) that controls the body's overall metabolism. After a physician discovers the presence of a nodule, an ultrasound will often be used to study it. If necessary, an ultrasound-guided needle biopsy can be performed to discover if the nodule is cancerous. In certain situations the biopsy results are not conclusive. There are now specialized molecular tests that can be used to confirm the diagnosis of cancer. What are the most common problems associated with the thyroid? Fortunately, while thyroid cancer is quite common, it is very treatable and in most patients is completely curable. Twenty million Americans struggle with some type of thyroid disorder. These include hyperthyroidism, which occurs when the gland produces an excess of thyroid hormone, and hypothyroidism, when not enough is produced. Symptoms such as sudden weight loss, jitteriness, feeling hot, and heart palpitations can all be signs of hyperthyroidism. Low thyroid hormone can cause different symptoms, including a lack of energy, weight gain and feeling cold. In some patients, hypothyroidism can be attributed to more serious conditions. Most of these can be diagnosed and treated medically with the help of an endocrinologist. Shill Levy, MD Michael Singer, MD, FACS Endocrinologist How common are thyroid nodules? Thyroid nodules are another very common problem. Thyroid nodules, which are areas of abnormal growth within the thyroid gland, are often found during routine tests (ultrasound or CT scan) or during a physical exam. They occur more frequently in women than men. Up to fifty percent of women may have them. These nodules often are benign, but in five percent of cases they are cancerous. If the nodule is large and causing symptoms (such as difficulty swallowing or a choking sensation) or if it is cancerous, treatment is usually recommended. Otolcurgologist Join us for a free seminar to discuss treatment options for thyroid problems on February 18, 2015 at 6:00pm at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital. To RSVP for this event or to make an appointment, contact us at 1-800-HenryFord, by email at thyroidsurgery@hfhs.org , or on the web at www.henryford.com/requestanappointment-thyroidsurgery. HENRY FORD WEST BLOOMFIELD HOSPITAL 1967200 ESTABLISHED 1917 * HOME APPLIANCE MART • DETROIT' WIN OWROOM • GE restaurant-inspired VEKID) HaAkcal bbyeae@R@efn aTrigg @Aka meg Somethings ERDM3 pairs! O 1.7 CU. OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE CVM1750SHSS 5 0 CUFF Mg@UMO TOP LOAD WASHER EGULAR Pal@OMs ©n30105 ' 22.1 CU. FRENCH DOOR REFRIGERATOR CNE22SSESS CLOSEOUT 30" FREESTANDING GAS RANGE CGS985SETSS 24" BUILT-IN DISHWASHER CDT725SSFSS LIMITED TIME PRICING: 7.8 CU. FRONT-LOAD ELECTRIC DRYER GTDS820E — '/S 6551 ORCHARD LAKE RD. WEST BLOOMFIELD MI (Maple Rd. & Orchard Lake Rd. - Next To Plum Market) 248.932.0870 • www.witbeckappliance.com LIMITED TIME PRICING: 79a 1969470 JN February 19 • 2015 23