At the core of who we are, ThermApproach believes in healthy breasts, but we are so much more than that. A thermogram is no more than a screening process that detects heat signatures in your body. Those screenings are read by medical Doctors who are Board Certified in Thermography.

Located in Northwest Ohio, ThermApproach will also do specific scans of many other parts of the body, and a common one is the thyroid. It’s rather amazing what all this ductless gland in the neck does for the human body. It releases hormones that control metabolism—the way your body uses energy. The thyroid's hormones regulate vital body functions, including:

·         Breathing
·         Heart rate
·         Central and peripheral nervous systems
·         Body weight
·         Muscle strength
·         Menstrual cycles
·         Body temperature
·         Cholesterol levels
·         Much more!

Unfortunately, thyroid cancer is on the rise. According to the National Cancer Institute, there are over 56,000 new cases of thyroid cancer in the US each year, and the majority of those are papillary thyroid cancer – the most common type. Women are more likely to have thyroid cancer; with a ratio of 3:1 over men. Any age can be affected, although it’s most common over the age of 30. It also becomes more aggressive in older people. Approximately 1.2% of men and women will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer in their lifetime.[1]

As is the same in every type of cancer, catching it early often allows for more treatment options. Thyroid cancer often presents without any symptoms whatsoever. Knowing the symptoms can alert you and your doctor look to further into the health of your thyroid.

Here’s a list of signs or symptoms it can cause:

·         A lump in the neck, sometimes growing quickly
·         Swelling in the neck
·         Pain in the front of the neck, sometimes going up to the ears
·         Hoarseness or other voice changes that do not go away
·         Trouble swallowing
·         Trouble breathing
·         A constant cough that is not due to a cold

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. It’s also true that many of these symptoms can be related to other illnesses. It’s important to note that lumps in the thyroid are very common, and most often benign. [2]

The most important thing for you to understand is this: If you receive a diagnosis of thyroid cancer, do not be in a rush to do anything. Take a deep breath, and seek care from experts in relationship to your thyroid.

Before you can feel it, thermal imaging can see it. Please call our office to schedule your screening today. Having the results will assist you and your care team in developing a plan designed specifically for you.

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[1] Clayman, Gary. “Thyroid Cancer.” EndocrineWeb, PracticalPainManagement, www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid-cancer/thyroid-cancer.

[2] “Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer.” American Cancer Society, 15 Apr. 2016, www.cancer.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html.