Dr. Paloyan studies a variety of conditions related to the thyroid and parathyroid glands, including thyroid cancer, hyperparathyroidism, and the effects of certain treatments on these glands. His work encompasses how different therapies, such as radioactive iodine and surgical procedures, impact patient outcomes. He also investigates the links between thyroid hormone levels and parathyroid health, providing important insights for doctors treating patients with thyroid disorders, especially those that may have long-term health implications due to previous treatments.
Key findings
In a study of 23 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, surgery resulted in a more than fourfold decrease in muscle weakness within two weeks post-operation.
Among 100 patients who had partial thyroidectomy for cancer, 43% later found cancer in the remaining thyroid tissue, indicating the need for proactive treatment.
In a study of 261 patients undergoing thyroid surgery with parathyroid autotransplants, only 13% needed temporary calcium supplements afterward, demonstrating high surgical success rates.
Dr. Paloyan's research on pregnant women found that 80% had thyroid issues when diagnosed with nodules, highlighting the risks during pregnancy.
In his study of 110 patients who had radiation for acne, 31% developed thyroid cancer and another 31% had hyperparathyroidism years later, showcasing long-term risks.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Paloyan study thyroid cancer?
Yes, he conducts extensive research on thyroid cancer, including its effects and treatment options.
What treatments has Dr. Paloyan researched?
He has researched various treatments, including radioactive iodine for thyroid conditions and surgical approaches for thyroid cancers.
Is Dr. Paloyan's work relevant to patients with hyperparathyroidism?
Absolutely, his studies focus on hyperparathyroidism and how it is influenced by other conditions, including thyroid disorders.
Publications in plain English
Symptoms in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: muscle weakness or sleepiness.
2004
Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
Walker RP, Paloyan E, Gopalsami C
Plain English This study looked at how removing a parathyroid gland (a surgery called parathyroidectomy) helps patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, focusing on symptoms like muscle weakness and sleepiness. Researchers assessed 23 patients before and after the surgery using questionnaires. After the surgery, patients showed a significant drop in specific symptoms, especially muscle weakness, with more than a fourfold decrease in its occurrence within two weeks post-surgery and a continued decline over the following months.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with primary hyperparathyroidism by reducing their troubling symptoms and improving their quality of life.
Guidelines for the use of radio-iodine, thyroid hormone, and treatment of metastatic disease in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.
1998
Surgical oncology clinics of North America
Paloyan E, Walker RP, Lawrence AM
Plain English This study focused on how to best treat patients with a specific type of thyroid cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Researchers found that using low doses of radioactive iodine (RAI) for imaging can significantly improve the effectiveness of higher treatment doses later on. They also explored alternative imaging methods, like ultrasounds and blood tests, which help detect remaining cancer without interrupting other treatments.
Who this helps: This helps patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, especially those dealing with metastatic disease.
Hyperparathyroidism associated with a chronic hypothyroid state.
1997
The Laryngoscope
Paloyan Walker R, Kazuko E, Gopalsami C, Bassali J, Lawrence AM +1 more
Plain English This study explored how chronic high levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) might be linked to a condition called hyperparathyroidism in female rats. Over 18 months, researchers found that 44% of rats with severe hypothyroidism developed tumors in their parathyroid glands, while 53% of those with slightly elevated TSH also had these tumors. This research is important because it suggests that prolonged high TSH levels might contribute to parathyroid issues, potentially affecting how thyroid conditions are managed.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working with patients who have thyroid diseases or parathyroid issues.
Phosphate administration increases both size and number of parathyroid cells in adult rats.
1996
Calcified tissue international
Wang Q, Paloyan E, Parfitt AM
Plain English This study looked at how giving phosphate to rats affects their parathyroid glands, which produce a hormone important for managing calcium levels in the body. The researchers found that after three months, the size of the parathyroid glands in rats that received a high phosphate diet was nearly double that of control rats, with gland area increasing by 194% and the number of cells by 151%. This is significant because it shows that phosphate can lead to increased cell growth and hormone production, which may impact how calcium is regulated in the body.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers understand how phosphate impacts parathyroid function, which could benefit patients with calcium management issues.
Plain English This study looked at how thyroid nodules and cancer can develop during pregnancy. It found that 43% of pregnant women with thyroid nodules had thyroid cancer, and 37% had benign growths, totaling an 80% rate of thyroid issues. This is important because it shows that pregnancy can worsen thyroid conditions, and such patients need urgent treatment to manage these risks.
Who this helps: This helps pregnant women who are at risk for thyroid issues, as well as their doctors.
McHenry CR, Walfish PG, Rosen IB, Lawrence AM, Paloyan E
Plain English This study looked at a rare condition called congenital thyroid hemiagenesis, where one lobe of the thyroid gland doesn't develop properly. Researchers examined seven patients, finding that five had issues with the left lobe and two with the right. They discovered that this condition can be diagnosed through imaging tests and is critical to identify so patients do not undergo unnecessary surgeries on the unaffected side of the thyroid; also, all patients in the study needed thyroid hormone treatment afterward.
Who this helps: This research helps patients with thyroid disorders and can guide doctors in diagnosing and managing thyroid issues more effectively.
Parathyroid autotransplantation in patients undergoing a total thyroidectomy: a review of 261 patients.
1994
Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Walker RP, Paloyan E, Kelley TF, Gopalsami C, Jarosz H
Plain English This study looked at 261 patients who had their parathyroid glands transplanted during total thyroid surgery because the glands could not be preserved. The results showed that 13% of these patients needed temporary calcium and vitamin D supplements after surgery, and only 2 patients (less than 1%) experienced permanent issues requiring ongoing vitamin D therapy. This is important because it shows that parathyroid autotransplantation is generally successful in maintaining parathyroid function after thyroid removal.
Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.
Walker RP, Oslapas R, Ernst K, Hessel P, Nayyar R +2 more
Plain English The study looked at how low thyroid hormone levels might lead to an increase in parathyroid hormone, which is linked to hyperparathyroidism. In the experiment, 24 rats treated only with a drug that reduces thyroid function developed hyperparathyroidism, with 95% showing changes in their parathyroid glands and a 30% rise in parathyroid hormone after 12 weeks. This matters because it helps us understand how thyroid issues can impact parathyroid health, which could inform treatment strategies for people with these conditions.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients with thyroid and parathyroid disorders.
Primary papillary thyroid carcinoma presenting as cervical lymphadenopathy: the operative approach to the "lateral aberrant thyroid".
1993
The American surgeon
De Jong SA, Demeter JG, Jarosz H, Lawrence AM, Paloyan E
Plain English This study looked at 243 patients with papillary thyroid cancer, focusing on 52 who had swelling in their neck from lymph nodes affected by the cancer, even though they didn’t show obvious signs of a thyroid tumor. It found that 75% of those patients who underwent additional tests showed signs of thyroid disease, and all 52 patients received surgery that involved removing the thyroid and affected lymph nodes. After an average of 9 years, all patients were still alive and showed no signs of the cancer returning.
Who this helps: This information benefits patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer and their doctors by improving understanding of how the disease can spread to lymph nodes.
Recurrent hyperparathyroidism due to parathyroid autografts: incidence, presentation, and management.
1993
The American surgeon
Demeter JG, De Jong SA, Lawrence AM, Paloyan E
Plain English This study examined 604 patients who had surgery for their primary hyperparathyroidism, focusing on the 100 who received parathyroid autografts, which are pieces of parathyroid glands moved to a new location in the body. Out of these, 3 patients (3%) developed recurrent hyperparathyroidism due to issues with their autografts, showing symptoms an average of 89 months after surgery. This is significant because it highlights the risks associated with parathyroid autotransplants and emphasizes the effectiveness of thallium scans in finding the problem areas.
Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients dealing with parathyroid issues.
Necessity and safety of completion thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
1992
Surgery
De Jong SA, Demeter JG, Lawrence AM, Paloyan E
Plain English This study examined the need and safety of performing a second surgery called completion thyroidectomy for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, particularly after an initial partial removal of the thyroid. Researchers found that out of 100 patients who had a partial thyroidectomy, 43 had cancer in the other side of their thyroid, with 47% of those with papillary carcinoma and 33% with follicular carcinoma finding cancer there during follow-up surgery. This matters because it highlights that many patients may have undetected cancer in the remaining thyroid tissue, advocating for a more proactive approach to treatment.
Who this helps: This helps patients with thyroid cancer and their doctors in making treatment decisions.
Thyroid carcinoma and hyperparathyroidism after radiation therapy for adolescent acne vulgaris.
1991
Surgery
De Jong SA, Demeter JG, Jarosz H, Lawrence AM, Paloyan E
Plain English This research studied the long-term health effects of radiation therapy given to adolescents for acne, focusing on thyroid and parathyroid diseases. Among 110 patients treated for acne, 31% developed thyroid cancer, and another 31% experienced hyperparathyroidism, often decades after their initial treatment. These findings highlight a significant risk of developing serious thyroid and parathyroid conditions long after receiving radiation for acne, suggesting the need for ongoing monitoring of these patients.
Who this helps: This benefits patients who received radiation for acne, as well as their doctors who need to be aware of potential long-term risks.
High phosphate diet-induced primary hyperparathyroidism: an animal model.
1991
Surgery
Demeter JG, De Jong SA, Oslapas R, Ernst K, Hessel P +5 more
Plain English This study looked at how a high-phosphate diet affects the development of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) using female rats. The researchers found that after 3 months on a high-phosphate diet, the rats had higher levels of parathyroid hormone and signs of growth in the parathyroid glands. This is significant because understanding how diet influences PHPT can help in diagnosing and managing this condition in humans.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with or at risk for hyperparathyroidism.
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: risk factors and outcome.
1991
Surgery
Demeter JG, De Jong SA, Lawrence AM, Paloyan E
Plain English This study looked at anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, a very aggressive form of thyroid cancer, to understand its risk factors and outcomes. Researchers found that 76% of affected patients had a history of other thyroid issues, and the average survival was only 12 months, with most patients not surviving long after diagnosis. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring thyroid conditions closely, as early detection and treatment of abnormalities may help prevent the development of this deadly cancer.
Who this helps: This helps patients with thyroid conditions and healthcare providers managing their care.
[Hyperparathyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis: coincidence or consequence?].
1990
Annales de chirurgie
Paloyan E, Lawrence AM, Oslapas R, Jarosz H, Davis M +3 more
Plain English This study looked at the connection between hyperparathyroidism, a condition where the parathyroid glands make too much hormone, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune thyroid disorder. Researchers found that higher levels of TSH (a hormone that regulates the thyroid) could lead to hyperparathyroidism, especially in patients treated with neck radiation or lithium. Understanding this link matters because it may help in diagnosing and treating these conditions more effectively.
Who this helps: Patients with hyperparathyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
The relationship between Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid neoplasia, and primary hyperparathyroidism.
1990
Otolaryngologic clinics of North America
Walker RP, Paloyan E
Plain English This study examined how Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid, relates to thyroid cancer and primary hyperparathyroidism. Researchers found conflicting evidence on whether Hashimoto's increases the risk of thyroid cancer. This matters because it highlights the need for personalized treatment strategies for patients with Hashimoto's who also have thyroid nodules or other related health issues.
Who this helps: This research assists doctors in making better treatment decisions for patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Parathyroid autotransplantation in total thyroidectomy.
1990
The American surgeon
Smith MA, Jarosz H, Hessel P, Lawrence AM, Paloyan E
Plain English This study looked at how well surgeons can preserve parathyroid function during total thyroid removal surgeries by transplanting parathyroid glands when they can't be safely left in place. Out of 87 patients, 52 had one to three parathyroid glands moved to nearby muscles after their original blood supply was too damaged, and only 26 percent faced low calcium levels after surgery. Importantly, almost all patients (98%) showed normal parathyroid function in follow-ups, making this a reliable method for maintaining essential hormone levels after thyroid surgeries.
Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing total thyroidectomy, especially those at risk of parathyroid damage.
Follicular cell predominance in the cytologic examination of dominant thyroid nodules indicates a sixty percent incidence of neoplasia.
1990
Surgery
De Jong SA, Demeter JG, Castelli M, Jarosz H, Barbato A +5 more
Plain English This study looked at thyroid nodules in patients and how the presence of certain cell types in biopsies affects the likelihood of cancer or other tumors. Out of 76 examined nodules with a high number of follicular cells, about 60% showed signs of tumors, with 30% being cancer and 30% non-cancerous growths. This is important because it means that even when nodules appear normal or atypical, there is still a significant chance they could be harmful.
Who this helps: This helps patients with thyroid nodules and their doctors evaluate the risk of cancer.
Long-term results of adrenal autotransplantation in Cushing's disease.
1990
Surgery
Demeter JG, De Jong SA, Brooks MH, Lawrence AM, Paloyan E
Plain English This study looked at the long-term outcomes of a surgical approach called adrenal autotransplantation in patients with Cushing's disease, a condition caused by excess cortisol. Among 14 patients followed for 4 to 14 years, some experienced successful outcomes: four patients showed signs of successful adrenal tissue function after the surgery, with three remaining off cortisone medication for years, and another patient significantly reducing their medication. The findings suggest that this surgical treatment can be an effective option for certain patients, potentially allowing them to avoid long-term steroid use.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Cushing's disease who may not respond well to traditional pituitary surgeries.
Age related correlation between serum TSH and thyroid C cell hyperplasia in Long-Evans rats.
1989
Journal of experimental pathology
Nayyar RP, Oslapas R, Paloyan E
Plain English This study looked at how the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and certain thyroid cells change with age in Long-Evans rats. Researchers found that older rats (24 months) with more thyroid C cells had higher TSH levels, with male rats showing significant increases from 18 months, while female rats also had rises in TSH between 18 and 24 months. These findings matter because they help us understand how aging affects thyroid function, which could relate to health issues in humans.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors studying thyroid health in aging populations.
Adult nesidioblastosis. An unusual cause of fasting hypoglycemia.
1989
The American surgeon
McHenry C, Newell K, Chejfec G, Barbato A, Lawrence AM +3 more
Plain English This study looked at a rare condition called nesidioblastosis in adults, which can cause low blood sugar due to excess insulin production. Researchers reported three cases of women aged 29, 42, and 63 who had to undergo major surgery to remove most of their pancreas because of this condition. Although these patients had symptoms similar to those with insulinomas (a type of insulin-producing tumor), their imaging tests sometimes gave false results, demonstrating the complexity of diagnosing nesidioblastosis.
Who this helps: This research helps doctors better identify and treat adult patients with unexplained low blood sugar issues.
Long-term follow-up of a kindred with multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIA.
1989
The Australian and New Zealand journal of surgery
Munn SR, van Heerden JA, Sizemore GW, Carney JA, Paloyan E +1 more
Plain English This study followed a family with multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIA, a condition that can lead to tumors in various glands. The researchers found that in four out of five cases, patients developed serious adrenal gland problems in their 20s or 30s, and three of them were diagnosed with thyroid cancer in their 40s. This matters because the disease tends to be aggressive, showing how critical early detection and treatment are for managing symptoms and complications.
Who this helps: This helps patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIA and their healthcare providers.
Improving postoperative recurrence rates for carcinoma of the thyroid gland.
1989
Surgery, gynecology & obstetrics
McHenry C, Jarosz H, Lawrence AM, Paloyan E
Plain English This study looked at how well patients with differentiated thyroid cancer do after surgery, focusing on recurrence rates. Out of 250 patients followed for around six years, only 1.6% experienced a return of their cancer after surgery, which is a low number, and the overall death rate was just 2.4%. These findings highlight the importance of early detection and specific treatments, like total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine, in reducing the chances of cancer coming back.
Who this helps: This helps patients with thyroid cancer and their doctors by providing insights on effective treatment options.
Altered TSH levels associated with increased serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3: a possible link between thyroid and parathyroid disease.
1989
Surgery
Smith MA, McHenry C, Oslapas R, Hofmann C, Hessel P +1 more
Plain English This study explored how high levels of vitamin D influence the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and the function of the parathyroid glands. The researchers found that when animals received vitamin D, their TSH levels increased significantly at 72 hours and 1 week after treatment, before returning to normal by the fifth week. This matters because it sheds light on how thyroid and parathyroid diseases may be related, which could help improve treatment strategies for these conditions.
Who this helps: Patients with thyroid and parathyroid disorders.
Selective postoperative radioactive iodine treatment of thyroid carcinoma.
1989
Surgery
McHenry C, Jarosz H, Davis M, Barbato AL, Lawrence AM +1 more
Plain English This study looked at 234 patients with a type of thyroid cancer to see how effective radioactive iodine treatment is after surgery. Researchers found that 9% of patients needed the treatment because their cancer had spread beyond the thyroid, while 19% had very low cancer activity and another 72% had no signs of spread. Over the years of follow-up, only a few patients experienced a recurrence, showing that many patients might not need this radioactive treatment if there’s no evidence of cancer spreading.
Who this helps: This helps patients with thyroid cancer by potentially reducing unnecessary treatments.
Nodular thyroid disease in children and adolescents: a high incidence of carcinoma.
1988
The American surgeon
McHenry C, Smith M, Lawrence AM, Jarosz H, Paloyan E
Plain English This study looked at thyroid nodules in children and teenagers over 32 years and found that 28% of these patients had cancer. Specifically, among those with nodules, 46% of patients with a single nodule had cancer. Most cancers were of the papillary type, and two-thirds of patients already had cancer spread to other parts of the body when diagnosed, highlighting a serious health concern in this age group.
Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers treating young patients with thyroid issues.
Carcinoma of the thyroid in patients with autonomous nodules.
1988
The American surgeon
Smith M, McHenry C, Jarosz H, Lawrence AM, Paloyan E
Plain English Researchers studied 30 patients with solitary "hot" thyroid nodules over 25 years to see how often these nodules were cancerous. They found that 2 out of the 30 patients, or about 6%, had thyroid cancer, even though neither had symptoms of thyroid disease or a history of radiation exposure. This highlights that even seemingly benign thyroid nodules can sometimes be cancerous, which is important for early detection and treatment.
Who this helps: This helps patients with thyroid nodules and their doctors in monitoring and deciding on the best treatment options.
Resection of parathyroid tumor in the aorticopulmonary window without prior neck exploration.
1988
Surgery
McHenry C, Walsh M, Jarosz H, Henkin R, Tope J +2 more
Plain English Researchers studied patients with a rare type of parathyroid tumor located in the chest instead of the neck, which is called an ectopic parathyroid adenoma. Out of 522 patients with a related condition, only seven had this rare tumor, and three were located in an area near the heart. After surgery on these patients, their calcium and hormone levels returned to normal, showing that surgery in these cases can be effective.
Who this helps: This helps patients with severe hyperparathyroidism, especially those with challenging tumor locations.
Thyroid neoplasia following radiation therapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma.
1987
Archives of surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
McHenry C, Jarosz H, Calandra D, McCall A, Lawrence AM +1 more
Plain English The study looked at the risk of thyroid cancer and other thyroid growths in young people who were treated with high doses of radiation for Hodgkin's lymphoma. Out of five patients aged 19 to 39 who developed thyroid issues years later, three had papillary carcinomas and two had less serious follicular adenomas, with the time between radiation treatment and diagnosis ranging from eight to 16 years. This highlights the importance of giving young patients medication to protect their thyroid before starting radiation therapy to reduce the risk of these growths later on.
Who this helps: This helps young cancer patients receiving radiation.
Routine use of the thallium-technetium scan prior to parathyroidectomy.
1987
The American surgeon
McCall A, Henkin R, Calendra D, Lawrence AM, Jarosz H +1 more
Plain English This study examined the effectiveness of a specific imaging test called thallium-technetium scan for locating parathyroid tumors in patients with hyperparathyroidism before surgery. It found that the scan accurately identified tumors in only 50% of patients who were having their first surgery, but it was much more effective for repeat surgeries, correctly locating tumors in 77% of those cases, and in 80% of patients with tumors in unusual locations. These results highlight that while the scan isn't always reliable for first-time surgeries, it can be a crucial tool for those with previous neck surgeries or atypical tumors.
Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing repeat parathyroid surgery or those with ectopic tumors.
Improvement of vocal cord paresis after thyroidectomy.
1987
The American surgeon
McCall AR, Ott R, Jarosz H, Lawrence AM, Paloyan E
Plain English This study looked at patients with vocal cord paralysis caused by thyroid or parathyroid tumors, focusing on whether their vocal function improved after surgery. Out of 14 patients, 9 saw complete recovery of their vocal cord function after removing the tumors, indicating that many patients can regain their voice after treatment. This finding is important because it shows that vocal cord paralysis is not always permanent, especially in cases where the tumors are operable.
Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing thyroid or parathyroid surgery.
The incidence of thyroid carcinoma in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
1987
The American surgeon
Ott RA, McCall AR, McHenry C, Jarosz H, Armin A +2 more
Plain English This study looked at 800 patients who had surgery for thyroid nodules to understand how often thyroid cancer occurs in people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition. They found that 38% of patients with thyroid cancer also had Hashimoto's thyroiditis, compared to only 11% of those without cancer. This suggests that having Hashimoto's thyroiditis may increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer, highlighting the importance of monitoring these patients closely.
Who this helps: This information benefits patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and their doctors by encouraging better screening for thyroid cancer.
Plain English This study looked at how the hormones estrogen and testosterone affect levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in rats. Researchers found that testosterone increases TSH levels, both under normal conditions and when stimulated, while estrogen does not have a direct effect on TSH. These findings help explain why thyroid cancer rates and outcomes can vary between men and women.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors working on thyroid health and cancer treatments.
Radioiodine sensitivity of parafollicular C cells in aged Long-Evans rats.
1987
Surgery
Ott RA, Hofmann C, Oslapas R, Nayyar R, Paloyan E
Plain English This study looked at how radioactive iodine affects certain cells in older Long-Evans rats that are prone to developing tumors in the thyroid. Researchers found that when they treated 18-month-old rats with radioactive iodine, the number of tumor cases significantly dropped, from a level that wasn't specified to a lower number that was significant (p less than 0.05). Additionally, the treated rats had notably lower levels of calcitonin, a hormone produced by these cells, compared to the untreated group (p less than 0.006).
Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and researchers working on treatments for thyroid tumors, especially in older patients.
Androgen-mediated development of irradiation-induced thyroid tumors in rats: dependence on animal age during interval of androgen replacement in castrated males.
1986
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
Hofmann C, Oslapas R, Nayyar R, Paloyan E
Plain English This study looked at how testosterone affects the development of thyroid tumors in male rats that were exposed to radiation. The researchers found that 94% of the rats that received radiation developed thyroid tumors by 24 months, but this number dropped to 60% if the rats were castrated before radiation. Additionally, those that received testosterone at different ages had varying tumor rates, with 100% developing tumors if treated immediately after castration.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk for radiation-induced thyroid tumors by informing potential preventive measures and treatments.
Difficult decisions in the management of thyroid carcinoma.
1986
Otolaryngologic clinics of North America
Friedman M, Loré JM, Paloyan E, Skolnik EM
Plain English This paper examines five unique cases of thyroid cancer, showing how experts proposed different ways to manage each situation. The study highlights the complexity of making treatment decisions and emphasizes that there is not always a clear best choice. Understanding these cases is important because it can help improve decision-making strategies for similar patients in the future.
Who this helps: Patients with thyroid cancer and their doctors.
Parathyroid autotransplantation in forty-four patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: the role of thallium scanning.
1986
Surgery
McCall AR, Calandra D, Lawrence AM, Henkin R, Paloyan E
Plain English This study looked at 44 patients who had high levels of parathyroid hormone, a condition called primary hyperparathyroidism, and underwent surgery to remove or transplant their parathyroid glands. The researchers found that 15 patients with healthy parathyroid tissue did not have any problems afterward, while two out of 29 patients with unhealthy tissue faced issues after several years. This matters because it shows that transplanting healthy parathyroid tissue significantly reduces the chances of recurring health issues, with the recurrence rate being as low as 6.9% for those with unhealthy tissue compared to the higher rates noted in other studies.
Who this helps: This helps patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who require surgical treatment.
Testosterone enhancement of thyroid carcinoma in rats: the role of TSH.
1986
Surgery
Hofmann C, Oslapas R, Nayyar R, McCall A, Paloyan E
Plain English This study looked at how testosterone affects thyroid cancer in male rats that were exposed to radiation. The researchers found that castrated rats treated with different amounts of testosterone had higher rates of thyroid cancer, with 50% of those receiving the highest dose developing tumors, compared to just 8% in untreated rats. This is important because it shows that testosterone can increase thyroid cancer risk in rats that have been exposed to radiation, potentially offering insights into cancer risk factors in humans.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers understand the effects of testosterone on thyroid cancer, which can inform treatment decisions for patients at risk.
The incidence of thyroid carcinoma in solitary cold nodules and in multinodular goiters.
1986
Surgery
McCall A, Jarosz H, Lawrence AM, Paloyan E
Plain English This study compared the rates of thyroid cancer in patients with a single "cold" nodule and those with multiple nodules, known as multinodular goiters. They found that 17% of patients with a solitary cold nodule had cancer, while 13% of those with multinodular goiters had cancer, showing no significant difference between the two groups. This is important because it suggests that having multiple nodules doesn't necessarily lower the risk of cancer compared to having just one, especially for certain male patients who may have a higher cancer rate.
Who this helps: This information benefits patients with thyroid nodules and their doctors by providing clarity on cancer risk.
Localization of ectopic parathyroid adenomas by the technetium-thallium subtraction scan.
1985
The American surgeon
Ott R, Lawrence AM, Jorgensen R, Calandra D, Henkin R +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how a special imaging technique, called a technetium-thallium scan, can help find abnormal parathyroid tissue in eight patients. The scan successfully identified the location of these tissues in places like the neck and chest in seven out of eight cases, and five of those findings were later confirmed during surgery. This method is important because it can improve the chances of successful treatment for patients who have ongoing issues with parathyroid hormone levels after previous surgeries.
Who this helps: Patients with hyperparathyroidism.
Plain English This study looked at five cases of parathyroid carcinoma, a rare cancer that occurs in 1.1% of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Among the five women aged 29 to 60, all had very high calcium levels in their blood, with one case reaching 26 mg/dl. While three of the patients faced complications from the cancer and died within a few years, the other two patients successfully returned to normal calcium levels after surgery and have been symptom-free for 1 to 7 years.
Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors treating patients with hyperparathyroidism and those at risk for parathyroid carcinoma.
Total thyroidectomy in irradiated patients. A twenty-year experience in 206 patients.
1985
Annals of surgery
Calandra DB, Shah KH, Lawrence AM, Paloyan E
Plain English This study looked at 206 patients who had surgeries to remove their thyroid glands due to nodules that developed after radiation treatment over a 20-year span. Researchers found that 42% of these patients had thyroid cancer, and the rates of cancer and related complications have decreased over time, with the rate of cancer dropping from 48% to 37%. This is important because it shows that while total thyroid removal is still needed for these patients, the decreasing rates of cancer and complications might change how doctors approach these surgeries in the future.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with thyroid issues related to past radiation treatment.
Plain English This study looked at 117 patients with Graves' disease, a condition that affects the thyroid gland. Researchers found that 5.1% of these patients, or six individuals (two men and four women), had thyroid cancer, which is significantly higher than the typical cancer rate of 0.1% to 0.2% found in the general population. This suggests that the immune factors involved in Graves' disease may be linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer.
Who this helps: This information benefits doctors treating patients with Graves' disease by highlighting the need for careful monitoring for thyroid cancer.
The incidence of thyroid carcinoma in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and solitary cold nodules.
1985
Surgery
Ott RA, Calandra DB, McCall A, Shah KH, Lawrence AM +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how common thyroid cancer is in patients who have Hashimoto's thyroiditis and a single cold nodule on their thyroid. Among 146 patients, 47 were found to have thyroid cancer, which means about 32% of them were diagnosed. It didn’t matter if the patients had been exposed to radiation before; the cancer rates were similar, but those with a history of radiation tended to have cancer in both sides of the thyroid more often.
Who this helps: This helps patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and their doctors in making treatment decisions.
Spectrum of catecholamine-secreting tumors of the organ of Zuckerkandl.
1985
Surgery
Altergott R, Barbato A, Lawrence A, Paloyan E, Freeark RJ +1 more
Plain English This study looked at four tumors found in a specific area of the body known as the organ of Zuckerkandl, which are a type of pheochromocytoma that secrete hormones. Out of the four patients studied, two had malignant tumors, with one unfortunately passing away four years after surgery, while the other has survived for eight years despite ongoing illness. The findings are important because they highlight that these tumors can behave like other similar tumors but may carry a higher risk of being cancerous.
Who this helps: This information helps doctors and patients by improving understanding and diagnosis of these rare tumors.
Heppe H, Armin A, Calandra DB, Lawrence AM, Paloyan E
Plain English This study looked at 34 patients who had Hürthle cell tumors in their thyroids between 1972 and 1984. The researchers found that out of these patients, 14 had benign growths, 10 had non-cancerous adenomas, and 10 had cancerous tumors. They observed that cancerous Hürthle cell tumors often affected both sides of the thyroid (40%), but the non-cancerous tumors did not have this occurrence. The study concluded that benign tumors can be treated with a less extensive surgery called lobectomy, while cancerous tumors usually require the removal of the entire thyroid gland. No patients in the study experienced a recurrence of their tumors or died from them, indicating that Hürthle cell tumors usually behave less aggressively.
Who this helps: This information benefits patients with thyroid tumors and their doctors by providing clearer treatment options based on the type of tumor.
Parathyroid carcinoma: biochemical and pathologic response to DTIC.
1984
Surgery
Calandra DB, Chejfec G, Foy BK, Lawrence AM, Paloyan E
Plain English This study examined a rare type of cancer called parathyroid carcinoma in a 33-year-old woman, which caused dangerously high calcium levels in her blood. After treatment with a chemotherapy drug called dacarbazine (DTIC), her hormone and calcium levels improved significantly—her parathyroid hormone dropped from 1032 to 545 pg Eq/ml, and her calcium levels fell from 16.8 to 11.8 mg/dl. This matters because it shows that chemotherapy can provide some relief for patients with severe cases of this cancer, suggesting it may be useful earlier in their treatment.
Who this helps: This helps patients with parathyroid carcinoma and their doctors.
Hyperparathyroidism unmasked by the treatment of hypothyroidism secondary to Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
1984
Surgery
Calandra DB, Shah K, Lawrence AM, Paloyan E
Plain English This study looked at 17 women who developed primary hyperparathyroidism after starting treatment for their hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The time between starting treatment and finding hyperparathyroidism ranged from 2 months to 30 years, and all patients eventually underwent surgery to remove the affected parathyroid glands. This research suggests that doctors should check parathyroid function in patients with this type of hypothyroidism before and during treatment, as it could help prevent complications.
Who this helps: Patients with hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis.