THYROID
Mr Dale is a Consultant ENT & Thyroid surgeon in Bristol. He is a member of the Thyroid Multidisciplinary Team at University Hospitals Bristol, which manages patients with complex thyroid disease in Bristol, Bath and Somerset.
Mr Dale specialises in treating patients with thyroid nodules, thyroid goitre and thyroid cancer. He also works closely with the Endocrinology team at University Hospitals Bristol to treat patients with Graves' disease or hyperthyroidism who have not responded to medication.
THYROID DISORDERS
THYROID NODULES
Nodules within the thyroid gland are very common, occurring in up to 50% of the population. The vast majority of these nodules are benign and cause no significant problems. When a nodule appears or grows quickly, further investigations may be required. The results will determine whether thyroid surgery is needed.
THYROID GOITRE
Enlargement of the thyroid gland can cause symptoms from direct compression of adjacent structures. With significant thyroid enlargement it is not uncommon to develop symptoms of breathlessness, swallowing difficulty or a sense of pressure in the low neck. In such cases, thyroid surgery may be required.
GRAVES' DISEASE
Graves' disease is one cause of an overactive thyroid. The first line treatment for Graves' disease is usually medication, however, if this fails to control the condition, or if medications are not suitable then surgery to remove the thyroid gland may be necessary.