Endocrinologist Recommendation Needed

[chiang mai]

I have a swollen thyroid hence can anyone recommend a specific doctor in ENT at Bumrungrad?

Thanks in advance

[lopburi3]

Are you sure want ENT? I have thyroid under the treatment of an endocrinologist and believe that is normal if it is known to be thyroid condition.

[chiang mai]

Are you sure want ENT? I have thyroid under the treatment of an endocrinologist and believe that is normal if it is known to be thyroid condition.

Yes you are correct, it's an endocrinologist that I need, sorry, I'm in the early stages of learning on this one. My condition was initially diagnosed by a doctor within ENT at Bangkok/Phuket and he wants to go to the next stage of ultrasound and an FNA, I would prefer to have the problem progressed in Bangkok and initially assumed that endocrinology was associated with ENT hence my initial wording.

[lopburi3]

Endocrinology is what you want and for FNA someone with experience as from my reading that is very much a hit or miss and have to wait a month or longer to do again if fails the first time. The untrasound in non invasive and just some cream on neck and move probe around on outside but can take some time (believe I was in room for about 20 minutes). The FNA is more fear than pain as a probing needle in both sides of neck is a Dracula feeling but really not that bad and does not take very long. I had done two months ago.

You might want to read bio on doctors at Bumrungrad. I used my primary care doctor at another hospital as he is an endocrinologist so can't provide recommendations.

[chiang mai]

Endocrinology is what you want and for FNA someone with experience as from my reading that is very much a hit or miss and have to wait a month or longer to do again if fails the first time. The untrasound in non invasive and just some cream on neck and move probe around on outside but can take some time (believe I was in room for about 20 minutes). The FNA is more fear than pain as a probing needle in both sides of neck is a Dracula feeling but really not that bad and does not take very long. I had done two months ago.

You might want to read bio on doctors at Bumrungrad. I used my primary care doctor at another hospital as he is an endocrinologist so can't provide recommendations.

Thanks for that lopburi, I think I already pretty much understood the mechanics of the tests and neither one seems to be a big deal but it's useful to get your feedback on them anyway. I have read the bio's you mention but was hoping to get a personal recommendation from someone out there, still very welcome if anyone has one. Also agree, the FNA does seem to be a very hit and miss approach to diagnosis and from what I've read on the web there seems to be nothing between that and a thyroidectomy which is a bit scary.

[FBN]

The FNA procedure is way down the line in investigations for thyroid problems and is usually performed when there is a distinct nodule; definitely not as a first line procedure.

All the necessary blood tests should be performed to establish a correct diagnosis first; this may also involve an ultrasound.

The proper specialist to involve in this is a surgeon and an endocrinologist not ENT.

[chiang mai]

The FNA procedure is way down the line in investigations for thyroid problems and is usually performed when there is a distinct nodule; definitely not as a first line procedure.

All the necessary blood tests should be performed to establish a correct diagnosis first; this may also involve an ultrasound.

The proper specialist to involve in this is a surgeon and an endocrinologist not ENT.

Thanks FBN, your reply demonstrates exactly why I'm looking for a referral, ENT at Bangkok Phuket Hospital is quite happy to take me down the FNA route which as your post points out, is not appropriate.

[lopburi3]

If you have enlarged thyroid and there are nodules involved believe it can be very appropriate to rule out malignancy and is the path my doctor (endocrinologist) took several months ago after it was found in a CAT scan and the direct recommendation of radiologist (tissue diagnosis is advised).

If no other check then touch/swallow from ENT expect the ultra sound would be the determining factor if next path malignancy check or blood tests.

[Sheryl]

Dr. Rossanee at Bumrungrad is a top notch thyroid specialist, highly recommend her

http://www.bumrungrad.com/overseas-medical-care/plan-your-visit/search-for-a-doctor.aspx

p.S. I've edited the thread title for clarity

[chiang mai]

Dr. Rossanee at Bumrungrad is a top notch thyroid specialist, highly recommend her

http://www.bumrungrad.com/overseas-medical-care/plan-your-visit/search-for-a-doctor.aspx

p.S. I've edited the thread title for clarity

Superb, thank you for both things.

[chiang mai]

Just to wrap this up: I've been to see Dr Rossanee at Bumrungrad and I was very impressed, she worked at the Mayo Clinic for three years so that in itself says much about her level of expertise I think - very professional, extremely thorough and a very pleasant lady as well. Anyone in need of an expert endocrinologist (thyroid, diabetes etc), Dr Rosanne is the one to see. Also, anyone needing to have thyroid tests done such as FNA, don't worry, it sounds scary but it's a painless walk in the park.

Sincere thanks to Sheryl once again for the refferal.

[diabeticsurvivor]

It's good to know that Dr. Rossanee is good. Personally, I'd go with Dr. Varaphon Vongthavaravat http://www.bumrungrad.com/overseas-medical-care/plan-your-visit/search-for-a-doctor.aspx

[chiang mai]

I have subsequently changed my views on the quality of doctors available at private hospitals in Thailand and my position now is that I will never use them again. Instead I believe that the health resources available in Singapore, NUH in particular, are far more reliable, better qualified, more trustworthy and more cost effective.