Introduction
A thyroidectomy is the partial or complete surgical excision of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ in the neck responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolic processes, cardiovascular function, and thermoregulation. Removing the thyroid can relieve symptoms and restore health. Our skilled endocrine surgeons provide expert, compassionate care throughout the surgical process.
Symptoms and Indications
Thyroid surgery is considered if you have:
Enlarged thyroid (goiter): a visible neck swelling and may lead to difficulty swallowing, breathing discomfort (especially when lying down), or a choking sensation due to pressure on the trachea and esophagus.
Thyroid nodules: Lumps on the thyroid gland. Most nodules are benign and asymptomatic, but surgery is recommended if nodules grow, become painful, or a biopsy suggests cancer.
Hyperthyroid symptoms: If medications or radioactive iodine cannot control hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), surgery may be an option.An overactive thyroid often causes symptoms like a racing heartbeat, losing weight without trying, shaky hands, feeling overly sensitive to heat, and heightened nervousness or irritability
Thyroid cancer: A Thyroid cancer, which involves harmful growths in the thyroid, often requires surgery to remove part or all of the gland to stop the cancer from spreading. Even if cancer isn’t confirmed, suspicious biopsy results often lead to surgery for diagnosis and treatment.
Suspicious or recurrent nodules: Repeated growths, cysts, or unclear biopsy results may prompt removal of part or all of the thyroid to rule out disease.
Your healthcare team will use these symptoms, along with imaging and lab tests, to determine if thyroidectomy is the best treatment.
Causes and Risk Factors
The underlying causes that lead to thyroid issues include:
Iodine deficiency: a lack of dietary iodine, can lead to goiter (thyroid enlargement), though this is rare in regions with iodized salt programs.
Autoimmune disease: Conditions such as Graves’ disease (which causes hyperthyroidism) or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (linked to hypothyroidism) may trigger thyroid enlargement or nodule formation due to immune system dysfunction.
Genetics and age: Thyroid problems are more common in women, especially between ages 30 and 50. Family history of thyroid disease increases the risk.
Radiation exposure: Previous radiation treatment to the head or neck (for cancer or acne) or environmental exposure can raise the risk of thyroid nodules and cancer.
Gender: Women are much more likely than men to develop thyroid conditions.
Smoking: Has been linked to the development of goiter and thyroid eye disease.
Our doctors review your medical and family history to identify these risk factors.
Diagnosis
Before surgery, thyroid disorders are evaluated by:
Physical exam: Your doctor examines the neck for enlarged thyroid or lumps.
Blood tests: Thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T3, T4) are measured to check function (overactive or underactive).
Ultrasound: Imaging of the thyroid to assess nodules, size of the gland, and any suspicious features.
Fine needle aspiration biopsy: During a fine needle biopsy, a thin needle is used to collect cells from a thyroid lump. These cells are then tested under a microscope to check for cancer or other concerns. This helps confirm if a nodule is benign or malignant.
Radioactive iodine scan: Sometimes used in hyperthyroidism to show which parts of the thyroid are overactive.
Other imaging (CT/MRI): In large goiters extending into the chest, additional imaging may be needed for surgical planning.
These tests ensure we fully understand your thyroid condition and plan the most appropriate surgery.
Treatment Options
Not all thyroid problems require surgery. Alternatives include:
Medications: Anti-thyroid drugs (like methimazole) for hyperthyroidism, or levothyroxine for hypothyroidism.
Radioactive iodine therapy: Often used to shrink an overactive thyroid gland.
Monitoring: Small, benign nodules may just be watched with periodic ultrasounds.
If surgery is needed, options include:
Lobectomy (partial thyroidectomy): Removal of one thyroid lobe, used for small nodules or low-risk cancer confined to one side. The remaining lobe often continues normal function.
Total thyroidectomy: Removal of the entire thyroid, used for large goiters, Graves’ disease, or thyroid cancer. This requires lifelong thyroid hormone replacement after surgery.
Minimally invasive techniques: In select cases, small incision or endoscopic methods are used to reduce scar size.
Your surgeon will recommend the approach that best treats your condition.
Concerned about your thyroid health? Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our experts are ready to provide the answers and care you need for optimal health.