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Dr. Aisling Sarah Leanne Last, MD is an otolaryngologist in Saint Louis, MO specializing in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine in 2019 and has 7 years of experience. Dr. Aisling Sarah Leanne Last, MD is affiliated with WashU Medicine, Christian Hospital, BJC HealthCare, Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL), Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Thyroid Problems
Thyroid problems are a group of conditions that alter hormone regulation and metabolism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck, just below the Adam's apple (laryngeal prominence) and larynx (voice box). Despite its small size, the thyroid has an outsized effect on the body by regulating hormones that control metabolism. Metabolism is the body's process of converting consumed food into fuel to power the entire body. Heart rate, weight, cholesterol, body temperature, and even physical growth and development are all affected by the metabolism.
When the thyroid malfunctions, the body is unable to properly process and allocate energy. Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), cause irregular metabolism. In some cases, the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The damaged thyroid responds by releasing either too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Thyroid malfunctions may also arise from genetic causes or iodine deficiency. Thyroid problems may include:
Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to stimulate adequate metabolism. The condition is diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and detect Hashimoto's antibodies. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include sluggish metabolism, inflammation, fatigue, weight gain, brittle hair, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. To supplement impaired thyroid function, patients with Hashimoto's are typically prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone pills. Such patients may need to consume synthetic thyroids for the rest of their lives. Other treatments may include dietary changes, such as the avoidance of certain foods and medication to reduce inflammation. Frequent blood tests can inform patients if their TSH levels are within a normal range.
Grave's disease is most frequently the cause of hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid produces too many hormones, overstimulating one's metabolism. The condition is also diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH and detect Grave's antibodies. Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, bulging eyes, and weight loss are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Treatments for hyperthyroidism include oral radioactive iodine, which slowly shrinks the thyroid, slowing the production of excess thyroid hormone. Other anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) also reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers can ease the increased heart rate caused by hyperthyroidism. If treatments are unsuccessful, patients may be prescribed a thyroidectomy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. Some patients with hyperthyroidism may require ophthalmological (eye medicine) treatments such as eye drops, prednisone, and surgery to reduce eye swelling and bulging.
Untreated thyroid disorders frequently lead to goiters or thyroid nodules. A thyroid goiter is a large lump that can be felt near the base of the neck and is made of swollen thyroid tissue or nodules (excess cell growth). Nodules and goiters are diagnosed by CT scan or ultrasound. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. The most common cause of goiters is hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). However, Hashimoto's is also known to cause goiters or nodules. Goiters develop from continued damage from antibodies to the thyroid over time. At times, a goiter can result from a cancerous thyroid tumor. Most goiters and nodules are themselves benign.
The exact causes of thyroid cancer are unknown. People who develop thyroid cancer may or may not have another thyroid problem such as Hashimoto's or Grave's disease. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a nodule that can be felt on the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the neck, and neck and throat pain. CT and MRI scans are used to diagnose thyroid cancer. There are four types of thyroid cancer which vary in intensity. Thyroidectomy (thyroid removal surgery) is usually prescribed to treat thyroid cancer.
Thyroid problems are often long-term conditions that require some form of treatment. With regular monitoring and medication, many people with thyroid problems are able to lead active and fulfilling lives.
Dr. Aisling Sarah Leanne Last, MD graduated from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine in 2019. She completed residency at Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis. She has a state license in Missouri.
Medical School: Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine (2019)
Residency: Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis
Licensed In: Missouri
Dr. Aisling Sarah Leanne Last, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Aisling Sarah Leanne Last, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: CIGNA Flexcare, MultiPlan, MHBP, United Healthcare Select Plus, United Healthcare Select, United Healthcare PPO, United Healthcare POS, Great-West Healthcare Open Access, United Healthcare EPO, United Healthcare Choice Plus, United Healthcare Choice, Blue Choice, Aetna QPOS, Great-West Healthcare POS, Great-West Healthcare PPO, Health Alliance HMO, Aetna Open Access HMO, Great-West Healthcare HMO, Hannibal Regional PHO, Rockport Healthcare Group, Aetna Medicare HMO, TRICARE, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Coventry, Anthem, Best Doctors, Aetna Managed Choice POS, Aetna Select, Aetna Choice POS, Aetna HMO, CIGNA Open Access POS, Aetna US Access, CIGNA Open Access Plus HMO, Aetna National Advantage Program, Coventry HMO, CIGNA Network, CIGNA PPO, MO HealthNet, CIGNA POS, CIGNA HMO, CorVel, CIGNA EPO, Aetna Medicare PPO, Aetna Open Access Managed Choice, Aetna Open Access Elect Choice, Aetna Choice POS II, AARP, Medicare Advantage, TriWest, Blue Cross Blue Shield Missouri - Regular or Traditional, CoxHealth, Coventry PPO, Coventry National Network PPO, USA Managed Care Organization, Health Alliance POS, Health Alliance PPO, United Healthcare, United Healthcare Navigate, Medicare, Medicaid, Quality Health Management, Humana, Cigna, First Health, HealthLink PPO, Beech Street, HealthLink POS, HealthLink Open Access, HealthLink HMO, Aetna Elect Choice, HFN, United Healthcare Community Plan (AmeriChoice), Community Partners Health Plans, CIGNA Open Access Plus POS, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, CIGNA Network Open Access, CIGNA PPO Plus, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), Care Management Resources (CMR), Aetna Affordable Health Choice PPO, Advantra Option 1 HMO/POS (Aetna Medicare), Union Pacific Railroad Employee Health System, Freedom Plus PPO-Missouri (Aetna Medicare), Aetna CVS Health (MO Marketplace Exchange), Freedom PPO-Missouri (Aetna Medicare), Aetna Open Choice (PPO), Aetna Medicare Open Access POS, Health Alliance Medicare POS, Kansas Advantra Freedom PPO (Aetna Medicare), VA HealthCare Choice Program, BJC Center of Excellence - Consociate Health, Verify Insurance Acceptance With Practice, Illinois Department of Public Aid (IDPA/HFS), Advantra Silver HMO (Aetna Medicare), Advantra PPO (Aetna Medicare), Essence Advantage HMO, Health Alliance (IL Marketplace Exchange), HealthScope Benefits, Inn (Orscheln Industries Health Plan), Gold Advantage (Aetna Medicare), Aetna Health Network, Essence Advantage Select HMO, Advantra Complete PPO Illinois (Aetna Medicare), Aetna Health Network Option, BJC HealthSolutions, Aetna Medicare Open Access HMO, Health Alliance Medicare HMO, Advantra Option 2 HMO (Aetna Medicare), Essence Advantage Plus HMO and Gold Dual Core HMO Missouri (Aetna Medicare).
According to our sources, Dr. Aisling Sarah Leanne Last, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Aisling Sarah Leanne Last, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 2 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Aisling Sarah Leanne Last, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Saint Louis, MO.
Dr. Aisling Last is a specialist in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). She obtained her medical school training at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine and performed her residency at Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis. Areas of expertise for Dr. Last include tonsilitis, hearing loss, and thyroid problems. Dr. Last seems to honor Anthem, Blue California, Coventry, and more. She is professionally affiliated with Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, Christian Hospital, and WashU Medicine. She welcomes new patients at her office inSaint Louis, MO as reported by BJC HealthCare.
