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Dr. Geeta Lal, MD

(486 Ratings)

Specializes in: Surgical Oncology (Cancer Surgery)

University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine

Professional interests include: endocrine surgery, cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasia, and more.

200 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, IA 52242

(319) 356-1727

Dr. Geeta Lal, MD is a surgical oncologist in Iowa City, IA specializing in surgical oncology (cancer surgery). She graduated from University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Geeta Lal, MD is affiliated with University of Iowa and University of Iowa Health Care.

Office Locations

Address:

200 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, IA 52242

Some issues Dr. Geeta Lal, MD can help you with:

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 thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism
Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism
Goiter
Thyroid nodule
Thyroid cancer

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.

doctor visit	43
endocrine surgery	12
neck surgery	12

**Gender**
Male	13
Female	44

**Age**
From 65 to 74	29
From 75 to 84	15
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	51
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	28
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	23
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	33
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	70
endocrine surgery	16
neck surgery	16

**Gender**
Male	14
Female	59

**Age**
From 65 to 74	42
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	51
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	23
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	19
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	25
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	55

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	116
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	54
From 75 to 84	34
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	55
High Cholesterol	57
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	28
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	26
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	26
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	47
endocrine surgery	14
neck surgery	14

**Gender**
Male	12
Female	40

**Age**
From 65 to 74	22
From 75 to 84	13
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	73
High Cholesterol	62
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	23
Depression	29
Chronic Kidney Disease	38
Asthma	21
Osteoperosis	25
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	29
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	47

**Gender**
Male	11
Female	44

**Age**
From 65 to 74	31
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	56
High Cholesterol	36
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	20
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	74
endocrine surgery	18
neck surgery	18

**Gender**
Male	23
Female	42

**Age**
From 65 to 74	41
From 75 to 84	11
85 and over	0
Less than 65	13

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	60
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	22
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	28
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	18
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	18
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	47

**Gender**
Male	15
Female	34

**Age**
From 65 to 74	29
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	61
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	39
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	52

**Gender**
Male	14
Female	41

**Age**
From 65 to 74	36
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	56
High Cholesterol	49
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	113
endocrine surgery	19
neck surgery	19

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Geeta Lal, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Geeta Lal, MD treated as a surgical oncologist in Iowa City, IA were endocrine surgery and neck surgery.

doctor visit	61
endocrine surgery	15
neck surgery	15

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Geeta Lal, MD.

**Gender**
Male	10
Female	30

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	11
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	0
Other	0

**Age**
85 and over	0
75 to 84	7
Less than 65	1
65 to 74	28

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Geeta Lal, MD From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Geeta Lal, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease and depression.

Hypertension	49
High Cholesterol	41
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	12
Depression	13
Chronic Kidney Disease	22
Asthma	2
Osteoporosis	8
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	1
Diabetes	13
Atrial Fibrillation	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Education & Training

Dr. Geeta Lal, MD graduated from University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine. She is certified by the American Board of Surgery Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and has a state license in Iowa.

Medical School: University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine

Board Certification: American Board of Surgery Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Licensed In: Iowa

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Geeta Lal, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

University of Iowa

University of Iowa Health Care

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Geeta Lal, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.84 out of 5 stars based on 486 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Geeta Lal, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Iowa City, IA.

4.84

Overall Rating

(486 Ratings)

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Biography

Dr. Geeta Lal is a specialist in surgical oncology (cancer surgery) in Iowa City, IA. Dr. Lal's patients gave her an average rating of 5.0 stars (out of 5). These areas are among her clinical interests: cancer surgery, thyroid cancer, and multiple endocrine neoplasia. She is professionally affiliated with the University of Iowa Health Care. She attended medical school at the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine.