Thyroid Cancer, Disease, and Treatment

Boise

Thyroid Cancer, Disease, and Treatment

Your thyroid gland may be small, but it plays a vital role in regulating your body functions. You could face serious complications if it isn't producing the right amount of hormones. While many Idahoans suffer from thyroid disease or cancer, they can explore effective treatment options with Dr. Daniel Gay.

Thyroid Cancer, Disease, and Treatment | General Surgery in Boise, Meridian, Caldwell
Thyroid Cancer, Disease, and Treatment | General Surgery in Boise, Meridian, Caldwell

What Are Concerning Signs of Thyroid Disease?

  • Weight gain
  • Difficulty losing weight
  • Fatigue
  • Sensitivity to the cold
  • Abnormal menstrual cycle
  • Irritability
  • Memory loss
  • Constipation
  • Hair loss
  • Weakness
  • Muscle cramps and aches

What Are the Different Types of Thyroid Disease?

There are two major thyroid disorders: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, resulting in the body using energy quickly, making a person tired. It can also cause the heart rate to speed up, weight loss, and nervousness. Common conditions include:

  • Graves Disease
  • Nodules
  • Thyroiditis
  • Excessive Iodine production

Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, occurs when the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone, causing a person to feel tired, gain weight, and have difficulty tolerating cold temperatures. Common conditions include:

  • Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
  • Postpartum Thyroiditis
  • Iodine deficiency
  • Non-functioning thyroid gland

What Is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer develops in the gland's cells. The thyroid gland produces hormones that control body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight. This cancer usually does not show early signs and symptoms. However, some symptoms that may indicate thyroid cancer include a lump or nodule, a change in voice, pain in the neck and throat, and swollen lymph nodes.

Different Types of Thyroid Cancer

  • Papillary Thyroid Cancer develops from follicular cells, which create and store thyroid hormones. It most commonly affects those between the ages of 30 and 50 but can occur at any age.
  • Follicular Thyroid Cancer is caused by thyroid follicular cells and typically affects people over 50 years old. Hurthle cell cancer is a rare and aggressive variation of follicular thyroid cancer.
  • Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer is a rare form of cancer that begins in follicular cells and spreads rapidly. It is most common in people over the age of 60.
  • Medullary Thyroid Cancer starts in the C cells of the thyroid, which produce the hormone calcitonin. Elevated levels of calcitonin in the blood can indicate its early stage. While certain genetic disorders increase the risk of medullary thyroid cancer, genetic links are uncommon.
  • Thyroid Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the immune system cells of the thyroid.
  • Thyroid Sarcoma is a cancer originating in the thyroid gland's connective tissue.

What are Treatment Options for Thyroid Disease or Cancer

The type and stage of your thyroid disease, overall health, and preferences influence your treatment options. Dr. Gay will typically suggest one of the following options:

  • Thyroid hormone therapy
  • Radioactive iodine
  • External radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted drug therapy

Surgery is recommended for thyroid cancer depending on the type, size, and whether it has progressed beyond the thyroid. Possible surgical procedures may include:

  • Thyroidectomy
  • Thyroid Lobectomy
  • Lymph Node Dissection

Call to Schedule an Appointment with a Boise Surgeon Specializing in Hernia Repair

If you have symptoms of a hernia, and are interested in fully resorbable or absorbing mesh, consider scheduling a consultation with an experienced general surgeon. Dr. Daniel Gay has successfully performed hundreds of hernia repair surgeries, focusing on minimally invasive robotic-assisted and laparoscopic surgery. He offers individualized attention to all his patients while emphasizing health education. Submit a contact form or call (208) 321-4790 today to make an appointment!

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Testimonials

Patient Testimonials

I am a 55 year old woman who has never been to a general surgeon so the experience was nerve wrecking. However, from the moment I met Dr Gay I was completely comfortable because he presented his knowledge and expertise in the most professional yet easygoing manner. Dr Gay was kind and thorough when reviewing my case and told me all of his thoughts and approaches as he went which made me feel informed and confident about choosing him to perform my surgery. My surgery was a complete success with no unforeseen issues. It is without hesitation that I will return to him if I am ever in need of a surgery again and I will recommend him to my friends, family and strangers who want a knowledgeable, kind, compassionate and supportive surgeon. Dr Gay has a wonderful bedside manner and was an absolute pleasure during all interactions.

SS

Sabrina Swope

5.0 Average rating
100% Recommend Dr. Gay

Dr. Gay demonstrated the highest level of professionalism I have ever seen in a surgeon. He went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable by clearly explaining everything and walking me through my recovery process. I never had any difficulty reaching him or his staff when I had questions or concerns. I am truly grateful that my health was in his care. He treated me with the utmost respect, for which I am very thankful. I would strongly encourage anyone looking for a surgeon to consider Dr. Gay and not hesitate to contact his office.

NB

Nick Barragan

I had a great experience with Dr. Gay as my general surgeon for my hernia repair. From the initial consultation through surgery and follow-up, everything was explained clearly and I felt very well cared for. The procedure went smoothly, my recovery was exactly what I was told to expect, and the staff was professional and kind. I'm very grateful for the excellent care and would highly recommend Dr. Gay to anyone needing general surgery.

RC

Racheal Cope

Dr. Gay was very open to my needs and desires for my inguinal hernia repair, not wanting mesh and wanting dissolvable sutures. He completely explained to me what he does in that case at the pre-surgery appointment. Then when in the pre-op room and I'd forgotten what he'd told me, he very patiently went over the technique he uses, what he would do and use to effectively repair the hernia. I must say his combining of techniques sounds not only innovative and very intelligent but also will leave me with better longterm results.

LS

Lynn Shev

My husband had hernia surgery that was in a difficut spot but Dr. Gay went in with his robot and fixed him right up. We appreciate the Dr.'s access to top technology without all of the hoops. It was hard not to get excited about having surgery when the Dr. had a twinkle in his eye and such enthusiasm in his voice while telling us about the procedure! Thank you Dr. Gay! My husband's buddy, Hank the Hernia is back where he belongs.

MM

Mary Ann Mandel

Dr. Daniel Gay, General Surgeon in Boise, Idaho
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