The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating the metabolism of our bodies.  Many disorders can affect the thyroid gland including autoimmune conditions (e.g. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Grave's disease), thyroid nodules with goiter and thyroid cancer.  Thyroid nodules are small growths that usually are asymptomatic.  They are common with approximately 6% of women and 1% of men having palpable nodules.  However at autopsy 20-60% of individuals have nodules.  Fortunately, greater than 90% of thyroid nodules will be benign.  Blood tests of thyroid function should be done to see if the thyroid is making the normal amount of thyroid hormone although nodules usually do not affect thyroid hormone production.  An ultrasound with consideration for needle guided biopsy is a reliable method to rule out malignancy in thyroid nodules.  Thyroid cancer is readily treatable usually with total thyroidectomy and radioactive thyroid iodine ablation.

Disorders of the parathyroid glands can also affect our metabolism with changes in electrolytes such as calcium and phosphorus.  The most common abnormality of the parathyroid glands is an enlarged parathyroid gland or adenoma.  This is a benign condition that results in high levels of calcium and elevated parathyroid hormone that can eventually result in bone loss with osteoporosis, constipation, mood changes and kidney stones.  Parathyroid adenomas can be detected by blood tests and nuclear medicine scans (i.e., Sestamibi scans) and are generally treated by surgical removal when they become symptomatic.