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Dr. Loren Berman, MD, MHS is a pediatrician in Wilmington, DE specializing in general pediatrics, pediatric surgery and pediatric general surgery. She graduated from Yale School of Medicine in 2008 and has 17 years of experience. Dr. Loren Berman, MD, MHS is affiliated with Jefferson Health, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Nemours Children's Health and Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware.
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Hydrocele
A hydrocele is a collection of fluid around the testicle that causes swelling in the scrotum. Hydroceles are common in newborns; they develop when the fluid in the sac surrounding each testicle does not get absorbed before birth. Hydroceles in newborns often disappear on their own during the first year of life. They are rare in adults, but when they occur, they are usually caused by injury, infection, or swelling in the scrotum, testicle, or epididymis, which is a coiled tube behind each testicle.
Hydroceles are typically painless, and surgical repair or removal, called hydrocelectomy, is only necessary if they continue to grow. In a hydrocelectomy, the surgeon makes an incision in or near the scrotum and uses suction to drain the fluid. The sac that contained the fluid may be cut and removed as well, or it may be stitched onto the back of the testis and epididymis, before the incision is closed.
This procedure may be done at an outpatient facility, so a hospital stay is usually not required. Normal activities can be resumed a few days following surgery, but exercise and other strenuous activities should be avoided for about two to four weeks.
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. Loren Berman, MD, MHS graduated from Yale School of Medicine in 2008. She completed residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital. She is certified by the American Board of Surgery and has a state license in New Jersey.
Medical School: Yale School of Medicine (2008)
Residency: Yale-New Haven Hospital
Board Certification: American Board of Surgery
Licensed In: New Jersey
Dr. Loren Berman, MD, MHS is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Loren Berman, MD, MHS appears to accept the following insurance providers: United Healthcare Community Plan (AmeriChoice), QualCare, Aetna Medicare, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), Prime Health, AmeriHealth, BlueCross BlueShield of Florida, MultiPlan PPO, MultiPlan, Three Rivers Provider Network, Keystone Health Plan East, Geisinger Health Plan, US Family Health Plan, AvMed, United Healthcare, Great-West Healthcare, Medicare, Medicaid, Humana, Cigna, Evolutions Healthcare Systems, Fidelis Care, TRICARE, Molina Healthcare, HealthSmart, Employers Health Network, First Health, WellPoint, Aetna HMO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Non HMO, Seminole Tribe of Florida, Carefirst MD Community Health Plan Mcaid, Aetna PPO/POS/EPO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield HMO, Interlink Transplant, Lifetrac Transplant, Sunshine SMI/CMS 19 & 21, Personal Choice 65, Six Degrees Health Transplant, INTEGRA Administrative Group (ClaimsBridge), Aetna HMO/POS/PPO/EPO, Star Healthcare Network, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware *PA Loc Contiguous to DE*, Simply Healthcare Healthy Kids, Global Medical Managment DE/PA, Medicare FFS, Aetna Commercial - Excludes Marketplace Plans, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware *PA Loc NONContiguous to DE*, Insurance Administrators of America, Personal Choice, UPMC, Olympus Managed Healthcare PPO ORL, Delaware Medicare, Volusia Health Network PPO/EPO, Qualcare HMO/POS/PPO, Preferred Healthcare PPO, Six Degrees Health-Tribado, Keystone First CHIP, Priority Partners John Hopkins, Keystone First VIP, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware and Aetna Better Health PA Kids HMO.
According to our sources, Dr. Loren Berman, MD, MHS accepts the following insurance providers:
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Dr. Loren Berman works as a pediatric general surgery and general pediatrics. She is a graduate of Yale School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Berman trained at Yale-New Haven Hospital for her residency. Areas of expertise for Dr. Berman include thyroid problems, gallbladder problems, and minimally invasive procedures. She appears to be in-network for Blue California, Geisinger Health Plan, and Aetna, in addition to other insurance carriers. She is professionally affiliated with Nemours Children's Health and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Dr. Berman's practice in Philadelphia, PA is open to new patients as reported by Jefferson Health.
