{"id":1406,"date":"2026-05-15T13:09:51","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T17:09:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/?page_id=1406"},"modified":"2026-05-19T18:12:53","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T22:12:53","slug":"thyroid-care-diagnosis-techniques-and-treatment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/diagnosis-and-treatment\/thyroid-care-diagnosis-techniques-and-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Thyroid Care: Diagnosis Techniques and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":null,"protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"parent":47,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1406","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"layers":[{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_content_sidebar","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content":"<article class=\"thyroid-care\">\n<p style=\"font-size: 30px; line-height: 34px; letter-spacing: -0.5px; color: #042f72; font-weight: 600; padding-top: 50px;\">Comprehensive thyroid care requires accurate diagnosis, thoughtful decision-making, and a personalized treatment plan. Out team is ready to support you.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 24px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 30px; color: #042f72;\">At Saint John\u2019s Health Center, we provide expert evaluation and treatment for <a href=\"\/endocrine\/conditions\/thyroid-nodules\/\">thyroid nodules<\/a>, <a href=\"\/endocrine\/conditions\/thyroid-cancer\/\">thyroid cancer<\/a>, <a href=\"\/endocrine\/conditions\/hyperthyroidism\/\">hyperthyroidism<\/a>, and <a href=\"\/endocrine\/conditions\/hypothyroidism\/\">hypothyroidism<\/a>. Our approach combines advanced imaging, biopsy techniques, molecular diagnostics, and expert surgical care to deliver tailored treatment plans for each patient.\n  <\/p>\n<p>  <!-- Jump Links --><\/p>\n<nav class=\"page-nav\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_1361\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1361\" style=\"width: 620px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin-top:15px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/01\/Endocrine-specialists-Saint-Johns-Health-Center.jpg\" alt=\"Endocrine tumor and disorders team - Saint John&#039;s Cancer Institute\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1361\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/01\/Endocrine-specialists-Saint-Johns-Health-Center.jpg 1239w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/01\/Endocrine-specialists-Saint-Johns-Health-Center-300x148.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/01\/Endocrine-specialists-Saint-Johns-Health-Center-1024x505.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/01\/Endocrine-specialists-Saint-Johns-Health-Center-768x379.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/01\/Endocrine-specialists-Saint-Johns-Health-Center-100x49.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1239px) 100vw, 1239px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1361\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The endocrine disorders and thyroid team at Providence Saint John&#8217;s Health Center.<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <\/p>\n<p style=\"font-style:italic; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 500; color: #042f72; padding-left:1%; margin-bottom:-12px\">On this page:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"line-height:28px;\">\n<li style=\"font-size:22px!important; font-weight:500\"><a href=\"#conditions\">Thyroid Conditions We Treat<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:22px!important; font-weight:500\"><a href=\"#ultrasound\">Thyroid Ultrasound<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:22px!important; font-weight:500\"><a href=\"#biopsy\">Thyroid Biopsy &#038; Molecular Testing<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:22px!important; font-weight:500\"><a href=\"#treatment\">Thyroid Treatment Options<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:22px!important; font-weight:500\"><a href=\"#surgery\">Thyroidectomy<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:22px!important; font-weight:500\"><a href=\"#rai\">Thyroid Radioactive Iodine<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:22px!important; font-weight:500\"><a href=\"#hormone\">Thyroid Hormone Therapy<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:22px!important; font-weight:500\"><a href=\"#faq\">Thyroid FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<p>  <!-- CONDITIONS --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"conditions\">Thyroid Conditions We Treat<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p>The thyroid plays an important role in regulating metabolism, energy, and overall hormonal balance. Conditions affecting the thyroid can vary widely in severity, from benign nodules to thyroid cancer and hormone imbalances. Our team evaluates each condition carefully to determine the most appropriate course of care.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1363\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1363\" style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/01\/signs-and-symptoms-of-thyroid-nodules.jpg\" alt=\"signs and symptoms of thyroid nodules\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/01\/signs-and-symptoms-of-thyroid-nodules.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/01\/signs-and-symptoms-of-thyroid-nodules-300x219.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/01\/signs-and-symptoms-of-thyroid-nodules-768x561.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/01\/signs-and-symptoms-of-thyroid-nodules-100x73.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1363\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">One or more symptoms may present with thyroid noldules depending on their size and location.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul style=\"line-height:24px\">\n<li style=\"font-size:20px!important; font-weight:500\"><a href=\"\/endocrine\/conditions\/thyroid-nodules\/\">Thyroid nodules<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:20px!important; font-weight:500\"><a href=\"\/endocrine\/conditions\/thyroid-cancer\/\">Thyroid cancer (papillary, follicular, and other types)<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:20px!important; font-weight:500\"><a href=\"\/endocrine\/conditions\/hyperthyroidism\/\">Hyperthyroidism (including Graves\u2019 disease)<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:20px!important; font-weight:500\"><a href=\"\/endocrine\/conditions\/hypothyroidism\/\">Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:20px!important; font-weight:500\">Thyroid enlargement (goiter)<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:20px!important; font-weight:500\">Multinodular goiter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"float:none;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<p>  <!-- ULTRASOUND --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ultrasound\">Thyroid Ultrasound<\/h2>\n<p>Thyroid ultrasound is a foundational tool in thyroid care, allowing physicians to evaluate the structure and characteristics of the gland in real time. It helps guide decisions about whether additional testing\u2014such as biopsy\u2014is needed.<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding-left:3%\">\n<h3>What Is a Thyroid Ultrasound?<\/h3>\n<p>\n    Thyroid ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed images of the thyroid gland and surrounding structures. It is often the first step in evaluating <a href=\"\/endocrine\/conditions\/thyroid-nodules\/\">thyroid nodules<\/a> and detecting early signs of <a href=\"\/endocrine\/conditions\/thyroid-cancer\/\">thyroid cancer<\/a>.\n  <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1118\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1118\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/07\/006.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Melanie Goldfarb performs ultrasound imaging for thyroid nodules\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1118\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/07\/006.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/07\/006-300x193.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/07\/006-768x494.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/07\/006-100x64.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1118\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dr. Melanie Goldfarb performs a routine ultrasound for thyroid nodules.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>When Is It Recommended?<\/h3>\n<p>Because many thyroid conditions do not cause symptoms early on, ultrasound is often used proactively to investigate subtle findings or risk factors. It provides critical information that cannot be obtained through physical examination alone.<\/p>\n<ul style=\"line-height:18px\">\n<li>Thyroid nodule or lump<\/li>\n<li>Neck swelling or visible enlargement<\/li>\n<li>Abnormal thyroid blood tests<\/li>\n<li>Symptoms of thyroid disease<\/li>\n<li>History of thyroid cancer or radiation exposure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>What Can It Detect?<\/h3>\n<p>In addition to identifying nodules, ultrasound helps classify their appearance and risk level. These findings play a key role in determining whether monitoring or further intervention is necessary.<\/p>\n<ul style=\"line-height:18px\">\n<li>Size and structure of thyroid nodules<\/li>\n<li>Features suggesting cancer risk<\/li>\n<li>Inflammation (Hashimoto\u2019s or Graves\u2019 disease)<\/li>\n<li>Abnormal lymph nodes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>  <!-- BIOPSY --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"biopsy\">Thyroid Biopsy and Molecular Testing<\/h2>\n<p>When imaging identifies a thyroid nodule that requires further evaluation, biopsy is the next step in determining its nature. This process allows physicians to distinguish between benign conditions and those requiring treatment.<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding-left:3%\">\n<h3>What Is a Thyroid Biopsy?<\/h3>\n<p>\n    A thyroid biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to determine whether a thyroid nodule is benign or cancerous. It is typically performed using fine needle aspiration (FNA) under ultrasound guidance.\n  <\/p>\n<h3>When Is a Biopsy Needed?<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1407\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1407\" style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/thyroid-biopsy-saint-johns-health-center.jpg\" alt=\"Thyroid biopsy - Saint Johns Health Center\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1407\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/thyroid-biopsy-saint-johns-health-center.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/thyroid-biopsy-saint-johns-health-center-300x228.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/thyroid-biopsy-saint-johns-health-center-768x584.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/thyroid-biopsy-saint-johns-health-center-100x76.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1407\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A thyroid biopsy can be performed during your ultrasound evaluation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul style=\"line-height:18px\">\n<li>Nodules larger than 1\u20131.5 cm<\/li>\n<li>Suspicious ultrasound findings<\/li>\n<li>Abnormal lymph nodes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>What to Expect<\/h3>\n<p>The procedure is designed to be efficient and convenient, often performed during the same visit as your ultrasound evaluation. Most patients are able to resume normal activity immediately afterward.<\/p>\n<ul style=\"line-height:18px\">\n<li>Performed in-office<\/li>\n<li>No sedation required<\/li>\n<li>Takes only a few minutes<\/li>\n<li>Minimal discomfort<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Possible Results<\/h3>\n<p>Biopsy results provide essential guidance for next steps, ranging from simple monitoring to surgical intervention. Understanding these categories helps patients feel more confident in their care plan.<\/p>\n<ul style=\"line-height:18px\">\n<li><strong>Benign:<\/strong> Monitoring recommended<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nondiagnostic:<\/strong> May require repeat biopsy<\/li>\n<li><strong>Indeterminate:<\/strong> Additional testing needed<\/li>\n<li><strong>Suspicious or malignant:<\/strong> Surgery recommended<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Molecular Testing<\/h3>\n<p>\n    Molecular testing may be used when biopsy results are indeterminate. It helps estimate cancer risk and guide treatment decisions, potentially avoiding unnecessary surgery. This advanced testing is particularly helpful in avoiding unnecessary surgery while still identifying higher-risk nodules that require treatment. It adds another layer of precision to modern thyroid care.\n  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n","layer_is_content_auto_columns":false,"sidebar_position":"right","widgets":false,"layer_icon":"","layer_icon_position":"left","layer_background_color":"","layer_id":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_content_sidebar","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content":"<br \/>\n<h2 style=\"margin-top:-50px\" id=\"treatment\">Thyroid Treatment Options<\/h2>\n<p>Not all thyroid conditions require immediate treatment. Many can be safely monitored over time, while others benefit from early intervention to prevent complications or progression.     Treatment depends on your diagnosis and may include monitoring, medication, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding-left:3%\">\n<h3 style=\"padding-top:20px\">Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)<\/h3>\n<p>\n    For select patients with benign thyroid nodules, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. This outpatient procedure shrinks nodules while preserving thyroid function. This approach is particularly helpful for patients who prefer to avoid surgery or who are not ideal surgical candidates. It can significantly reduce nodule size and associated symptoms over time.<br \/>\n    <br \/>\n    Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/diagnosis-and-treatment\/thyroid-radiofrequency-ablation\/\">Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation<\/a><\/a>\n  <\/p>\n<p>  <!-- SURGERY --><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"surgery\">Thyroidectomy (Surgery)<\/h3>\n<p>Surgery remains one of the most effective treatments for certain thyroid conditions, particularly when cancer or significant symptoms are present. Surgical decisions are based on a combination of biopsy results, ultrasound findings, and patient-specific factors. The goal is to remove abnormal tissue while preserving normal function whenever possible. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/diagnosis-and-treatment\/thyroidectomy\/\">Thyroidectomy<\/a> involves removal of part or all of the thyroid gland and is commonly used to treat <a href=\"\/endocrine\/conditions\/thyroid-cancer\/\">thyroid cancer<\/a>, suspicious <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/conditions\/thyroid-nodules\/\">thyroid nodules<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/conditions\/hyperthyroidism\/\">hyperthyroidism<\/a>.\n  <\/p>\n<div style=\"padding-left:2%\">\n<h4 style=\"margin-bottom:-12px\">Types of Surgery<\/h4>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1409\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1409\" style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/dr.-melanie-goldfarb-performs-thyroid-surgery.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Melanie Goldfarb performs thyroid surgery\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1409\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/dr.-melanie-goldfarb-performs-thyroid-surgery.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/dr.-melanie-goldfarb-performs-thyroid-surgery-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/dr.-melanie-goldfarb-performs-thyroid-surgery-768x581.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/dr.-melanie-goldfarb-performs-thyroid-surgery-100x76.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1409\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dr. Melanie Goldfarb performs thyroid surgery.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul style=\"line-height:18px\">\n<li>Lobectomy (partial thyroid removal)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/diagnosis-and-treatment\/thyroidectomy\/\">Thyroidectomy<\/a> (total thyroid removal)<\/li>\n<li>Thyroidectomy with lymph node removal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"margin-bottom:-12px\">When Surgery Is Recommended<\/h4>\n<ul style=\"line-height:18px\">\n<li>Confirmed or suspected cancer<\/li>\n<li>Large or symptomatic nodules<\/li>\n<li>Hyperthyroidism not controlled with medication<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"margin-bottom:-12px\">Recovery<\/h4>\n<p>Recovery experiences vary depending on the extent of surgery, but most patients experience only mild, temporary symptoms. Careful follow-up ensures proper healing and optimal long-term outcomes. Most patients return to normal activities within 1\u20132 weeks. Some may require thyroid hormone replacement depending on the extent of surgery.\n  <\/p>\n<p>\n  Our team also provides specialized surgical care for other endocrine conditions, including <a href=\"\/endocrine\/diagnosis-and-treatment\/laparoscopic-and-open-adrenaclectomy\/\"> adrenal tumors and hormone-producing adrenal disorders<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>  <!-- RAI --><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"rai\">Radioactive Iodine (RAI) Therapy<\/h3>\n<p>\n    Radioactive iodine (RAI), also known as I-131, is a targeted treatment that destroys overactive or cancerous thyroid tissue by leveraging the thyroid\u2019s natural ability to absorb iodine.<br \/>\nRAI may be used to treat hyperthyroidism, including Graves\u2019 disease, or after thyroid surgery to eliminate remaining thyroid tissue or microscopic cancer cells in selected cases. Treatment is typically given as a single oral dose and completed in one visit.<\/p>\n<p>RAI is not appropriate for all patients, and its use is carefully determined based on diagnosis, cancer risk, and individual treatment goals. In many cases, radioactive iodine leads to reduced thyroid function over time, which is expected and managed with thyroid hormone replacement. Radioactive iodine is a targeted treatment used for <a href=\"\/endocrine\/conditions\/hyperthyroidism\/\">hyperthyroidism<\/a> and certain types of <a href=\"\/endocrine\/conditions\/thyroid-cancer\/\">thyroid cancer<\/a>.\n  <\/p>\n<ul style=\"line-height:18px\">\n<li>Typically given as a single oral dose<\/li>\n<li>Outpatient treatment<\/li>\n<li>May require temporary precautions afterward<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>  <!-- HORMONE --><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"hormone\">Hormone Therapy for Thyroid<\/h3>\n<p>Hormone therapy is essential in maintaining normal body function when thyroid hormone levels are too high or too low. Proper management helps regulate metabolism, energy levels, and overall well-being.Hormone therapy plays an essential role in managing thyroid conditions and maintaining normal metabolic function. It may be used to treat both underactive and overactive thyroid disorders, as well as to replace hormone function after surgery.<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding-left:2%\">\n<h4 style=\"margin-bottom:-12px\">Thyroid Hormone Replacement<\/h4>\n<p>Patients with hypothyroidism or those who have undergone thyroid surgery may require daily thyroid hormone replacement, most commonly in the form of levothyroxine (T4). This medication restores normal hormone levels and supports metabolism, energy, and overall health. Dosing is carefully monitored and adjusted over time based on blood tests and symptoms.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"margin-bottom:-12px\">Medication for Hyperthyroidism<\/h4>\n<p>In patients with overactive thyroid function, medications may be used to control hormone production. These treatments are often used as an initial step or to manage symptoms before definitive treatment with surgery or radioactive iodine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> While many patients receive hormone therapy as part of thyroid care, additional medical management may be used in select endocrine conditions. See <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/diagnosis-and-treatment\/hormone-therapy\/\">Hormone Therapy for Endocrine Disorders.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-left:3%\">\n  <!-- RADIATION --><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-top:20px\">Radiation Therapy<\/h3>\n<p>In select cases of advanced thyroid cancer, external beam radiation therapy may be recommended. Learn more about <a href=\"\/radiation-oncology\/\">Radiation Therapy<\/a> and the Vasek Polak Radiation Oncology department at Saint John&#8217;s Health Center. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Additional Endocrine Treatments<\/h2>\n<p> In addition to condition-specific care, we offer medical management for endocrine disorders, including hormone therapy when appropriate.\n<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n    See <a href=\"\/endocrine\/diagnosis-and-treatment\/hormone-therapy\/\"> Hormone Therapy for Endocrine Disorders<\/a>.\n  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","layer_is_content_auto_columns":false,"sidebar_position":"right","widgets":false,"layer_icon":"","layer_icon_position":"left","layer_background_color":"bg-gray-l","layer_id":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_content_sidebar","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content":"<p>  <!-- FAQ --><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin-top:-50px\" id=\"faq\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<p>Patients often have questions about thyroid conditions and their treatment options. The answers below address some of the most common concerns we hear in clinical practice.<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding-left:3%\">\n<h3>Do all thyroid nodules need treatment?<\/h3>\n<p>No. Many thyroid nodules are benign and can be safely monitored.<\/p>\n<h3>Is a thyroid biopsy painful?<\/h3>\n<p>Most patients experience mild discomfort. The procedure is quick and does not require sedation.<\/p>\n<h3>Will I need surgery for a thyroid nodule?<\/h3>\n<p>Not always. Surgery is recommended only when cancer is suspected or symptoms are significant.<\/p>\n<h3>Will I need lifelong medication after thyroid surgery?<\/h3>\n<p>Total thyroidectomy requires lifelong hormone replacement. Some patients do not require medication after partial surgery.<\/p>\n<h3>What is the best treatment for thyroid cancer?<\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-bottom:50px\">Treatment may include surgery, radioactive iodine, and sometimes radiation therapy depending on the case.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<h2 style=\"text-align:center\">Getting answers to your thyroid questions<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align:center; padding-bottom:60px; padding-left:8%; padding-right:8%; font-size:28px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 32px; color: #042f72;\">The thyroid and endocrine team at Saint John&#8217;s Health Center is ready to support you.  Our expertise in these areas and others is providing reassurance and hope to patients each day. From second opinions to multidiciplinary support, we surround each patient with the care they need for the best clinical outcomes. <\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mobile-100\" src=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/01\/Endocrine-team-at-Saint-Johns-Health-Center.jpg\"\n  alt=\"Endocrine team at Saint John's Health Center\"><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align:center\">The endocrine and thyroid specialists at Providence Saint John&#8217;s Health Center.<\/div>\n","layer_is_content_auto_columns":false,"sidebar_position":"right","widgets":false,"layer_icon":"","layer_icon_position":"left","layer_background_color":"bg-gray-l","layer_id":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_two_column","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content_left":"<p style=\"font-size: 36px; line-height: 40px; font-weight: bold; color: #fff!important;\">If you have questions regarding thyroid care, diagnosis, or treatment, please call today. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/contact-us\/?center=Endocrine%20and%20Tumor%20Disorders\"><u>Click here<\/u><\/a> to request an appointment.<\/p>\n","layer_content_right":"<p style=\"font-size: 40px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;padding-top:25px;\"><a href=\"tel:310-829-8751\">310-829-8751<\/a><\/p>\n","layer_icon":"","layer_icon_position":"left","layer_background_color":"bg-orange","layer_id":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_featured_blog_items","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_featuredblog_col_width":"quarters","layer_featuredblog_pullbycat":"blog","layer_featuredblog_selectblogcat":["endocrine"],"layer_featuredblog_selectblogauth":[],"layer_featuredblog_more_link":"","layer_background_color":"bg-gray-l","layer_id":""}],"header_scripts":"","int_alt_page_title":"Thyroid Care: Advanced diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules, cancer, and disorders.","int_page_description":"","int_masthead_image":false,"int_page_icon":"","int_secondary_cta_override":false,"int_secondary_cta_is_hidden":false},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1406","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1406"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1406\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/47"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1406"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}