To schedule an appointment call:
443-THYROID (849-7643) or
Head and Neck Surgery at 443-849-8940 or
Bay West Endocrinology at 410-828-7417 or
Ear, Nose & Throat Associates 410-821-5151
Diagnosing and treating a full range of thyroid disorders
The Thyroid Center at GBMC diagnoses and treats a full range of thyroid disorders from hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism to benign nodules and thyroid cancer. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is part of the endocrine system. Located toward the base of the neck, the thyroid gland is responsible for regulating metabolism. Thyroid disorders are quite prevalent, and though millions are known to have these disorders, many also go undiagnosed. The disorders are often the culprit of common medical problems such as unexplained weight loss, obesity, swelling in the neck, changes in heart rate, depression/mood changes, fatigue and more. Predominantly found in women, thyroid disorders can cause disruptions in the menstrual cycle and impact fertility. GBMC’s Thyroid Center treats more thyroid patients than any other Maryland community hospital.Our Team
Select a provider below to learn more
6569 N Charles St Ste 401 , Towson, MD, 21204
(443) 849-8940$Dr. Blanco earned his medical degree from the University of Santo Thomas, completed his residency at the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, and his fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. He is dedicated to the care of head and neck patients with benign and malignant tumors. His special interests include salivary gland tumors, parathyroid gland tumors, cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx, cervical esophagus, thyroid, sinuses, head and neck skin malignancy and skull base. Other special interests are organ sparing surgeries, laryngeal preservation surgery (supracricoid laryngectomy).
Dr. Blanco is a registered telemedicine physician specializing in tongue and oropharyngeal sonography.
Dr. Blanco is actively involved in the research on the use of Trans Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS) for minimally invasive head and neck surgery. 
Ray G. Blanco, MD, FACS
Ray G. Blanco, MD, FACS
Dr. Blanco is a registered telemedicine physician specializing in tongue and oropharyngeal sonography.
Dr. Blanco is actively involved in the research on the use of Trans Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS) for minimally invasive head and neck surgery.
Ray G. Blanco, MD, FACS
Medical Director - Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head & Neck Center, Head and Neck Surgery
Head & Neck Surgery
Surgery
Ray G. Blanco, MD, FACS
Medical Director - Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head & Neck Center, Head and Neck Surgery
Head & Neck Surgery
Surgery
6565 N. Charles St. Suite 601, Towson, MD, 21204
(410) 821-5151$Chairman, Department of Otolaryngology
Chairman, Institutional Graduate Medical Education Committee
Surgical Director of the GBMC Thyroid Center
Assistant Professor, Johns Hopkins University Department of Otolaryngology
GBMC Medical Board Member
Gerson Lehrman Group Leader
Dr. Kaplan attended Cornell University for his undergraduate education. He attended the University of Virginia School of Medicine, remaining at UVA to complete his residency in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. He served as Chief Resident before joining Ear, Nose and Throat Associates. Dr. Kaplan's past research interests have included hearing loss, chronic sinusitis and facial reconstruction. He currently practices the full scope of ENT, with particular interest in pediatrics, otology and sinus disease. Dr. Kaplan is board-certified in Otolaryngology and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Brian A. Kaplan, MD
Brian A. Kaplan, MD
Brian A. Kaplan, MD
Chairman, Department of Otolaryngology
Otolaryngology
Brian A. Kaplan, MD
Chairman, Department of Otolaryngology
Otolaryngology
6535 N Charles St Ste 510 , Towson, MD, 21204
(410) 821-6260$Joel A. Turner, MD, received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He completed his residency in General Surgery at the University of Maryland Hospital. In addition, he obtained further training in advanced laparoscopic procedures during his fellowship, also at the University of Maryland Hospital. During residency and fellowship, he was exposed to a broad range of advanced laparoscopic procedures and received extensive training in endocrine surgery from one of the state’s busiest endocrine surgeons, Dr. William Scovill. Dr. Turner is the vice chairman of the Department of Surgery, as well as the chief of Minimally Invasive Surgery.
Joel A. Turner, MD
Joel A. Turner, MD
Joel A. Turner, MD
Chair, Department of Surgery
Endocrine Surgery & General Surgery
Joel A. Turner, MD
Chair, Department of Surgery
Endocrine Surgery & General Surgery
6565 N Charles St Ste 601 , Towson, MD, 21204
(410) 821-5151$Dr. Kunar earned his bachelor's degree at Columbia University, then went on to complete both medical school and residency training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital School of Medicine. His special interests include the management of allergies and sinusitis, speech and swallowing disorders, thyroid and salivary gland surgery, pediatric ear and sinus disease, head and neck tumor treatment, and cochlear implantation.
Dario R. Kunar, MD
Dario R. Kunar, MD
Dario R. Kunar, MD
Otolaryngology
Dario R. Kunar, MD
Otolaryngology
, , ,
$Farzad Masroor, MD, is a head and neck surgeon at the GBMC Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head and Neck Center. Dr. Masroor earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, where he was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. He then completed a residency in Internal Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He received additional residency training in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center. This was followed by a fellowship in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Masroor treats head and neck cancer, with expertise in thyroid surgery, head and neck surgical oncology, and microvascular reconstructive surgery.
Farzad A. Masroor, MD
Farzad A. Masroor, MD
Farzad A. Masroor, MD
Head & Neck Surgery
Farzad A. Masroor, MD
Head & Neck Surgery
Our Services
The Thyroid Center at GBMC treats all types of thyroid disorders including:
- Thyroid cancer
- Noncancerous thyroid tumors/toxic adenomas
- Nodular or multinodular thyroid disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Subacute thyroiditis
- Pituitary gland malfunctions or cancerous growths in the thyroid gland
- Hyperthyroidism
- Graves’ disease
- Adrenal disease
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Medical management of thyroid disorders
- Evaluation and treatment of parathyroid disease
- Radiologic imaging and ultrasound
- Ultrasound — guided fine needle aspiration
- Expert pathologic evaluation
- Surgical expert evaluation and treatment for thyroid cancer
Ask a Thyroid Expert With Dr. Kaplan
This 11 episode video series discusses the most common questions associated with thyroid conditions.
Watch NowFrequently Asked Questions
What are symptoms of a thyroid disorder?
The most common symptoms of a thyroid condition include:
Weight changes Fatigue Depression Anxiety High cholesterol Bowel problems Menstrual irregularities and fertility problems Swelling of the neck
How are thyroid disorders treated?
Treatment of thyroid conditions depends on the patient’s type of disorder. In some cases, treatment involves regulating thyroid hormones. Other cases may require surgery or cancer treatments. Benign conditions may only require watchful waiting (or, in other words, no treatment is yet necessary, but you and your physician should continue monitoring it in case anything changes). Your endocrinologist will determine the most effective treatment plan for you.
My primary care physician thinks I might have a thyroid condition. What now?
Schedule a consultation with an endocrinologist. During your first appointment, you can expect to receive a physical examination and most likely be sent for blood work and possibly radiologic imaging, such as an ultrasound, to confirm your diagnosis. After pathologic evaluation, your endocrinologist will then create a treatment plan that could consist of medication, watchful waiting or referral for additional services, such as surgery, depending on your diagnosis.
How do I schedule an appointment with the Thyroid Center at GBMC?
Call 443-THYROID (443-849-7643).
Where is the Thyroid Center located?
The Thyroid Center at GBMC is located in Physicians Pavilion North on GBMC’s main campus in the Bay West Endocrinology Associates practice: 6535 North Charles Street, Suite 400.
The most common symptoms of a thyroid condition include:
How are thyroid disorders treated?
Treatment of thyroid conditions depends on the patient’s type of disorder. In some cases, treatment involves regulating thyroid hormones. Other cases may require surgery or cancer treatments. Benign conditions may only require watchful waiting (or, in other words, no treatment is yet necessary, but you and your physician should continue monitoring it in case anything changes). Your endocrinologist will determine the most effective treatment plan for you.
My primary care physician thinks I might have a thyroid condition. What now?
Schedule a consultation with an endocrinologist. During your first appointment, you can expect to receive a physical examination and most likely be sent for blood work and possibly radiologic imaging, such as an ultrasound, to confirm your diagnosis. After pathologic evaluation, your endocrinologist will then create a treatment plan that could consist of medication, watchful waiting or referral for additional services, such as surgery, depending on your diagnosis.
How do I schedule an appointment with the Thyroid Center at GBMC?
Call 443-THYROID (443-849-7643).
Where is the Thyroid Center located?
The Thyroid Center at GBMC is located in Physicians Pavilion North on GBMC’s main campus in the Bay West Endocrinology Associates practice: 6535 North Charles Street, Suite 400.
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