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
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

Brian A. Kaplan, MD
Chairman, Department of Otolaryngology
Otolaryngology

Brian A. Kaplan, MD
Chairman, Department of Otolaryngology
Otolaryngology

Joel A. Turner, MD
Chair, Department of Surgery
Endocrine Surgery & General Surgery

Joel A. Turner, MD
Chair, Department of Surgery
Endocrine Surgery & General Surgery

Dario R. Kunar, MD
Otolaryngology

Dario R. Kunar, MD
Otolaryngology

Farzad A. Masroor, MD
Head & Neck Surgery

Farzad A. Masroor, MD
Head & Neck Surgery
Our Services
- 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
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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