Colleen Veloski, MD, FACE

As an endocrinologist specializing in thyroid and parathyroid disorders, and malignancy related endocrine problems, my expertise meets the needs of a broad range of patients who seek or have received treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Early in my career, I developed an interest in the diagnosis and management of thyroid cancer. While thyroid nodules are very common, only 5-10% of all thyroid nodules are malignant. Fine needle aspiration biopsy can differentiate malignant nodules from benign nodule with a high degree of accuracy, but it is not possible or advisable to biopsy the thousands of benign thyroid nodules discovered each year. In the last 5-10 years, research in the area of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer has shown that ultrasonographic characteristics combined with other risk stratification factors can direct us to biopsy only those nodules with a higher risk of clinically significant malignancy. This results in fewer diagnostic procedures and unnecessary surgeries. As a result, I have developed my skills in the areas of thyroid ultrasound and ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy in order to comprehensively manage and follow thyroid nodules.

Patients who are ultimately diagnosed with thyroid cancer will be managed by our multidisciplinary treatment team. Most of these patients require surgery, and perhaps, radioiodine treatment, that result in lifelong hypothyroidism. As a specialized endocrinologist, I can manage the initial cancer treatment, ongoing monitoring for thyroid cancer recurrence, and thyroid hormone replacement therapy for thyroid cancer patients. I also treat patients who develop hypoparathyroidism that can rarely occur following any head or neck surgery. We also evaluate and treat patients with hyperparathyroidism due to parathyroid tumors.

I work with other Fox Chase Cancer Center surgeons and oncologists to manage patients with other endocrine related tumors such as adrenal, pituitary, and neuroendocrine tumors. We monitor and treat patients with genetic tumor syndromes affecting the endocrine organs such as the multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes. When patients with other malignancies develop endocrine problems related to their cancer treatment, they can receive evaluation and treatment at Fox Chase allowing for better coordination of care.

I believe that patients receive the best care when all of the caregivers communicate among each other and, most importantly, to the patients. At Fox Chase, our thyroid cancer team includes specialists from endocrinology, medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology, and nuclear medicine. Patients with other endocrine malignancies or endocrine problems related to malignancy are also managed by a multidisciplinary team. Together along with our dedicated, experienced, compassionate support staff, we develop and deliver a comprehensive treatment plan for our patients.

Department of Medicine
Staff Endocrinologist

More on
thyroid cancer treatment.
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head and neck cancer treatment team.
Meet other members of the
Department of Medicine.

Fox Chase Cancer Center
333 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111-2497

New patients can request an appointment online or call 215-214-1411.

Appointments for Returning Patients

For general information, call:
1-888-FOX CHASE (1-888-369-2427).
An oncology certified nurse will assist you.

Clinical Expertise:

Evaluation of thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, thyroid ultrasound and ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy, thyroid hormone replacement therapy following thyroid cancer treatment, parathyroid tumors, parathyroid disorders, tumors and disorders of the adrenal gland.

Medical Education:

MD, Medical College of Pennsylvania (Drexel University School of Medicine) 1994

Residency:

Internal Medicine, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA

Fellowships:

Endocrine, Diabetes and Metabolism, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA

Certifications:

American Board of Internal Medicine Diplomate in Internal Medicine;:
American Board of Internal Medicine Diplomate in Endocrine, Diabetes and Metabolism

Honors and Awards

Best Doctors in America, 2005-2006, 2007-2008, 2009-2010;
Outstanding Faculty Consultant Faculty Educator Award, Temple University School of Medicine, 2008, 2009

Professional Societies:

Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society;
Philadelphia Endocrine Association;
American Thyroid Association;
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists

Related Professional Activities

Associate Professor Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA,
Associate Program Director, Endocrinology Fellowship, Temple University Hospital

Publications:

Selected recent publications