Treating Pediatric Thyroid Disorders
Specialists at U of U Health provide the treatment you need for your child’s thyroid issues. If you believe your child has symptoms of a thyroid disorder or you are referred from your pediatrician, please call to make an appointment. Our pediatric thyroid team will make sure to listen to your concerns and give your child the best care available.
Care at Primary Children’s Hospital
Our specialist team staffs Primary Children’s Hospital working in partnership with Intermountain Healthcare. While you will have all your appointments and physical treatment at Primary Children’s Hospital, your specialists will be from University of Utah Health.
Pediatric Thyroid Disorders
There are different types of thyroid disorders. Our specialists provide the care your child needs with easy to understand explanations.
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Hypothyroidism: This occurs when the thyroid produces too little hormone. It can affect growth, energy levels, and cognitive development.
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Hyperthyroidism (Graves Disease): Here, the thyroid produces excessive hormone, leading to symptoms like rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and anxiety.
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Thyroid Nodules: These are abnormal growths within the thyroid gland, which may or may not affect hormone levels.
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Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Although rare in children, it’s essential to monitor any nodules for signs of malignancy.
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Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2 (MEN2): A genetic condition that can impact the thyroid and other endocrine glands.
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Medullary Thyroid Cancer: Another uncommon type of thyroid cancer.
Find a Pediatric Thyroid Specialist Near You
What to Expect at Your Appointment & Diagnosis
It can be overwhelming to prepare for your appointment, but don’t worry, we will help you every step of the way.
At your first appointment you will meet your specialist in-person. Be sure to bring your child’s insurance information and a list of questions you have for your specialist.
They will ask you about your child’s medical history—things like these:
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Medications your child may be taking
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Chronic conditions your child may have
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Previous surgeries or procedures your child may have had
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Any other necessary things
Your specialist will also physically examine your child and ask about symptoms they may have. They understand that this can be nerve-wracking for some children and will be as gentle as possible.
After the physical examination, your provider might ask for lab tests or imaging tests. Imaging and lab tests could include these:
Your care team will help you schedule appointments for these tests and imaging scans.
Follow Up Appointment
Your care team will also schedule a follow-up appointment with you for your child. At this follow-up appointment, your specialist will review test and lab results. They will develop a customized treatment plan for your child based on all of this information they have gathered.
Why Choose Pediatric Thyroid Care from U of U Health Specialists
U of U Health has year-after-year exceptional rankings as offering the best health care in the nation. We believe collaboration throughout our system — from physicians, researchers, biologists, and more — leads to the most imaginative care.
Working together in a rich, diverse clinical environment means our discoveries have a direct impact on the health of our patients. U of U Health isn't satisfied with just offering health care. We want to transform it.
Our pediatric otolaryngologists also train tomorrow’s physicians, passing on their experience. Read more about our pediatric fellowship training program.
Treatment for Pediatric Thyroid Disorders
Working with you, your provider will establish a care plan for your child. This could entail any of the following treatments:
Anti-Thyroid Medications
For hyperthyroidism, most children benefit from anti-thyroid medications. These drugs help regulate thyroid hormone production and manage symptoms.
In hypothyroidism, synthetic thyroid hormone replacement is the standard treatment. A daily dose ensures that your child’s body functions normally.
Radioactive Iodine
In some cases of hyperthyroidism, radioactive iodine treatment may be recommended. It helps slow down excessive thyroid hormone production.
This treatment is carefully administered to minimize side effects and protect other tissues
Thyroid Surgery
Pediatric thyroid surgery is an option for specific conditions:
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Thyroid Cancer: If your child has thyroid cancer, surgery may involve removing part or all of the thyroid gland.
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Thyroid Nodules: Surgical removal of a thyroid nodule (lobectomy) is common.
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Graves’ Disease: Total thyroidectomy may be necessary for children with Graves’ disease.
During surgery, delicate nerves and parathyroid glands are safeguarded to prevent complications.
Remember, close collaboration with your child’s health care provider ensures the best treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. Regular follow-ups and monitoring are essential for successful management of pediatric thyroid disorders.
Next Steps
Your health insurance plan may cover an evaluation at U of U Health. Please contact your insurance company before your appointment to be sure.
Call 801-662-1740 or complete our online form to request an appointment. We welcome physician referrals, but you don’t need one to make an appointment with the Utah Pectus Program.
Medical providers can refer patients to a pediatric surgeon by calling 801-587-8368 or completing our online referral form.