Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid surgery is used to treat people with thyroid problems such as thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules and hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland is the butterfly-shaped gland that can be seen on the neck. The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones responsible for metabolism in the body. Once a person is diagnosed of thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules or hyperthyroidism, common treatment would be thyroid surgery especially if the disease is already severe. During the surgery, an incision is made in the skin. To expose the gland, the muscles and tissues are pulled aside. Below are other reasons why an individual undergo thyroid surgery: A fluid filled nodule reoccurs after being drained once or twice. Hyperthyroidism cannot be treated with radioactive iodine and other medicines. A thyroid cancer is suspected or benign(noncancerous). A noncancerous or benign nodule is large enough to cause problems with swallowing or breathing. There are types of thyroid surgery that is used to treat thyroid problems. One is total thyroidectomy which is a surgical process that removes the entire thyroid gland and the lymph nodes surrounding the thyroid gland. There is also thyroid lobectomy with or without isthmectomy. Lobectomy means removing only one lobe. In instances that the thyroid nodules are only found in one lobe, surgeons will only remove one lobe thus a patient will undergo lobectomy with isthmectomy. However in instances that thyroid nodules are found in two lobes, lobectomy with isthmectomy is done. Lobectomy with isthmectomy is the process where in the narrow band of tissues that connect the two lobes are removed. There is also a thyroid surgery that is called subtotal thyroidectomy. This is a surgical process that removes one complete lobe; the isthmus and the part of the other lobe. Lastly, there’s endoscopic thyroidectomy. This surgical process involves removal of the small cysts or single small nodules that are benign or non cancerous or removal of the entire thyroid gland. Order your At-Home Thyroid Test NOW! Results in 3 days! Collect your sample, mail it back in the prepaid envelope, and receive results by email or phone. After Thyroid Surgery After the thyroid surgery, many people leave the hospital after a few days. The days spent being the hospital, the treatments and recovery all depends on an individual’s age, general health, extent of the surgery and if whether cancer is present. Most doctors also recommend bed rest on the first day after the thyroid surgery. Doctors will also suggest to start moving thereafter. If patient is still hospitalized, intravenous nutrition is preferred as swallowing and eating may be difficult. If at home, liquid or soft diets are highly recommended until swallowing and chewing becomes comfortable. Interesting Questions about Thyroid: Have more questions? Need more answers? Check our Full Thyroid FAQ Thyroid Surgery Recovery Just like any other operation, the body needs time to recover. The wound needs time to heal also. One must not lift heavy objects for about two weeks after the operation to avoid any strain on the neck wound. Most people are able to return two work two weeks after surgery. This will also depend on how strenuous one’s job is. Thyroid surgery recovery also depends on an individual’s age, general health and extent of the surgery. Thyroid Surgery Complications A thyroid surgery is generally a safe surgery. But just like any other surgeries, there is also a risk of complications. These complications include hoarseness and change of voice. The thyroid surgery can damage the nerves that control the voice. This can be prevented though if the surgeon is experienced or if the patient is undergoing lobectomy rather than total thyroidectomy. Another thyroid surgery complication can be hypoparathyroidism. This may occur if the parathyroid glands are accidentally removed during total thyroidectomy. A patient may not face this complication if thyroid surgery is just lobectomy. There are also other thyroid surgery complications that an individual may face, such as the need for calcium replacement if the parathyroid gland had been removed and thyroid hormone replacement if the thyroid gland had been completely removed. One may also get an infection in the wound. Thyroid FAQ & Links to Related Articles Parathyroid There are four parathyroid glands that are normally having the size of a single rice grain. In some normal cases, they can be as big as the size of a pea. Hypothyroid Also called underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism is a disorder that is characterized by abnormal level of thyroid hormones in the body, which is too low. Thyroid Glands The thyroid is a butterfly (pear)-shaped gland, it consists of 2 symmetrical lobes joined by a central isthmus that normally covers the 2nd & 3rd tracheal rings. Congenital Hypothyroidism Congenital hypothyroidism is a thyroid gland disorder that may lead to deafness or mental retardation if left undetected. Thyroid Depression Hypothyroidism can cause depression. Most people don?t realize that this feeling is depression caused by the thyroid gland not functioning as it should. Papillary Thyroid Cancer Papillary thyroid cancer is one of the thyroid cancer types. This type of thyroid cancer arises from the follicles in the thyroid gland. Thyroid Gland Function The thyroid gland is located immediately below the larynx on each side of and anterior to the trachea. It is one of the largest of the endocrine glands Thyroid Hormone These thyroid hormones are responsible in regulating the body?s metabolism, which is how much food will be broken down into useful energy for consumption. Thyroid Levels When the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, one may suffer from hyperthyroidism. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone The thyroid stimulating hormone is produced by the pituitary gland. The thyroid stimulating hormone promotes the growth of the thyroid gland. Thyroid Hormones Thyroid hormones are chemical substances produced by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck. Supplements for the Thyroid Natural thyroid supplements are helpful as a remedy to thyroid disorders. Its natural ingredients assure one of its safeties in taking it. Thyroid Symptoms in Women The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that is the primary responsible in regulating the body?s metabolism. Thyroid Surgery Thyroid surgery is used to treat people with thyroid problems such as thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules and hyperthyroidism. Thyroid Test Thyroid tests or thyroid function tests are done to check the thyroid function in one?s body. A doctor will be able to determine and diagnose the thyroid disorder. Thyroid Treatment Treatment for thyroid disorders should be done to prevent unwanted results caused by the severity of the condition. Consult a physician for more of these treatments. Thyroidectomy Thyroidectomy is a surgical process wherein the whole or a part of the thyroid gland is removed. This surgical process is used to treat thyroid disorders. Underactive Thyroid Having an underactive thyroid is a minor problem but it seeks proper attention to avoid further health problems. Consult a physician about any thyroid problem. Low Thyroid Low thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, is a condition where the thyroid gland is under active. Underactive Thyroid Diet Following a healthy meal plan, exercise and proper medication goes hand in hand to treat hypothyroidism. Consult a physician for a more individualized plan. Thyroid Cancer Treatment Each thyroid cancer treatment depends on the type of thyroid cancer and the extent or stage of the thyroid cancer one is suffering from. Parathyroid Hormone Levels Parathyroid hormones are considered to be the most important endocrine regulator. It basically regulates the calcium and phosphorus concentration in the body. Parathyroid Disease Studies show that since 1925, the standard treatment for parathyroid disease is to surgically remove the parathyroid gland(s) which are overproducing parathyroid hormones. Parathyroid Adenoma Parathyroid adenoma is a small tumor of the parathyroid gland and is known to be the most common disorder of the gland. Medullary Thyroid Cancer Medullary thyroid cancer is one of the types of thyroid cancer. This type of thyroid cancer is more common in women than in men. Overactive Thyroid Most people don?t feel any symptoms. Others can just lose weight and just feel depressed for no reason at all. Hypothyroidism Suppose you go in for a routine checkup and your doctor decides to test your thyroid function. You?ve experienced no thyroid disease symptoms Hypothyroidism Symptoms Hypothyroidism develops for over a long period of time. It?s normally from several months to even several years. Hypothyroidism Natural Treatment People who are suffering from hypothyroidism are advised to get plenty of exercise and have a balanced and healthy diet. The diet must be rich in protein and iodine. Hypothyroidism Diet Self medicating one?s thyroid disorder with hypothyroidism diet pills without proper information of the diet pill does not address the problem. Hyperthyroidism Symptoms & Treatment Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormones more than the body needs. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is one of the chronic diseases in the world. Hypothyroidism is also known as underactive thyroid; hypo means under or below normal. Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a type of thyroid cancer that is rare and aggressive. It affects the thyroid gland and most especially its function. Thyroid Disorders Problems arise if the thyroid gland is overactive or underactive. There are three common thyroid disorders. These are hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and the thyroid nodules. Thyroid Hair Loss Hair loss may happen for so many reasons but it is commonly associated to thyroid problems such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Thyroid Function Test Thyroid Function Tests are the different tests conducted to assess and determine the cause of an individual?s thyroid problems.