Endocrine disorders can stem from problems with the thyroid gland or parathyroid gland.

• The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland in the neck that secretes a hormone that helps regulate metabolism. Sometimes nodules develop on the thyroid that need to be biopsied to rule out cancer. If indicated, your ENT surgeon can remove a portion or all of your thyroid gland.

• Parathyroid glands sit alongside the thyroid gland but are separate entities. These glands help regulate calcium levels in our body through a PTH hormone. Each person typically has 4 parathyroid glands. Sometimes one or more of these glands produce too much PTH hormone causing calcium levels to rise. Surgery may then be needed to remove the abnormally functioning gland.

We adhere closely to American Thyroid Association (ATA) evidence-based guidelines for the management of thyroid nodules including ultrasound imaging, fine needle aspiration, possible surgery or observation.

Aspiration biopsies most often can be performed in our offices or can be ordered to be performed with ultrasound guidance in our office or radiology facility. In most cases, thyroid surgery — including neck dissection when needed — can be performed by Dr. Coniglio at affiliated hospitals.

For patients with asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism, as well as those with symptoms of kidney stones, osteoporosis and fatigue, we generally combine special radiological localizing procedures and rapid assay intra-operative blood tests with minimal-access surgical approaches. The result is a 95-percent cure rate. 

In Office Ultrasound

Dr. Coniglio is accredited to perform ultrasound imaging in our office. Ultrasound is used in an ENT office to evaluate multiple different anatomies including lymph nodes, salivary glands and thyroid nodules. The ultrasound procedure is performed by Dr. Coniglio himself with possible results given the same day.