Signs you might need Thyroid Surgery

Signs you might need Thyroid Surgery

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The thyroid is a small gland about the size of a thumb, which is located at the lower front part of the neck, just under the Adam’s apple. Thyroid gland removal is a surgical procedure that involves removing part or all of the thyroid. Though it is small, it plays a key role in managing many bodily functions, especially metabolism, and other functions include breathing, the nervous system, body weight, muscle strength, and energy levels. 

The thyroid gland produces two important hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which help to maintain the hormonal balance of the body. These hormones can regulate how your body uses energy. Experts say that almost every organ in the body can be influenced by the hormones T4 and T3. 

Millions of people in India and around the world are suffering from thyroid disorders. Medication and changes in lifestyle can fix most of the thyroid problems. However, in case of severe conditions, they might need to be addressed surgically (thyroidectomy). But the question is, how can one understand their condition is severe and they need surgery? So, Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best thyroid surgeons in Hyderabad,  provided his insights on various thyroid conditions. He suggests watching out for specific signs and symptoms provided below, as they indicate your condition is severe and requires surgery.

Thyroid conditions that may need surgery

Certain thyroid disorders might need surgery, especially when they don’t respond to medications and other nonsurgical treatment options. 

Below are a few thyroid conditions that may require surgery.

Thyroid Nodules

Growth of tumours within the thyroid gland is defined as thyroid nodules. However, most tumours are benign, which means non-cancerous. But in a few cases, the tumours turn out to be cancerous or grow very large.  

Goiter 

It is a thyroid disorder in which your thyroid gland is abnormally enlarged. This condition is caused by various problems like iodine deficiency and autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease. 

Thyroid Cancer

This is one of the most common reasons why surgeons recommend thyroid surgery. However, treatment depends on the progression of the cancer, where some types of thyroid cancers grow slowly while other types grow aggressively, which requires immediate surgical removal of the thyroid gland.

Hyperthyroidism

This condition is also called overactive thyroid because it occurs when the thyroid gland releases more than enough T3 and T4 hormones. Initially, the condition is treated with medication and radioactive iodine therapy. However, when the condition becomes severe and these treatment options fail, thyroidectomy is the next best option in which a part or the whole thyroid gland is removed.

Thyroid Cysts

These cysts are fluid-filled sacs developed within the thyroid gland. These cysts are non-cancerous and can be as small as 1 cm or grow very large suddenly. When non-surgical treatments like ethanol ablation and draining the cysts fail, surgery may be necessary.

Signs that indicate you might need thyroid surgery

If you have a thyroid disorder and are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms mentioned, then it is important to consult an endocrinologist or expert thyroid surgeon. He will diagnose your condition and recommend thyroid surgery if it is needed.

In thyroid conditions like thyroid nodules or goitre, the gland becomes enlarged and can compress the windpipe and esophagus. In such cases, you may observe breathing (shortness of breath) and swallowing problems. If the signs are persistent, surgery might be the only option.

In the case of thyroid nodules, goiter, and thyroid cancer, you may notice a visible lump (tumour) or swelling in the lower neck. If the lump is growing big, causing symptoms like coughing, hoarseness, and neck or throat pain, you should consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. 

Your vocal cords and laryngeal nerves, which are important for speech, are located near this thyroid gland. A growing thyroid nodule or tumor can damage these structures permanently. If you experience changes in your voice, hoarseness, neck or throat pain, and difficulty speaking, consult an expert doctor for treatment.

In case of severe hyperthyroidism, people may experience various signs and symptoms, which include weight loss, increased or irregular heart rate, tremors, excessive sweating, and irregular menstrual cycles. If non-surgical treatments fail, surgery is the best option because, in serious cases, there’s a risk of strokes and congestive heart failure.

Thyroid surgery

There are different types of thyroid surgical procedures, and they are preferred based on the condition and severity of your thyroid problem. 

Thyroid lobectomy

The thyroid gland has two lobes connected by the isthmus (a bridge of tissue). One of these lobes will be removed in a thyroid lobectomy. In some cases, the isthmus is also removed, especially if the surgeon suspects a risk of cancer.

Partial (subtotal) thyroidectomy

In this procedure, the surgeon leaves only a small portion in one lobe and completely removes the rest of the thyroid gland. This procedure is mostly used to treat hyperthyroidism. Even a small portion of the thyroid gland can produce hormones.

Thyroidectomy

This procedure involves removing the entire thyroid gland, including the surrounding lymph nodes. Typically, total thyroidectomy is recommended in case of thyroid cancer.

A thyroidectomy can be performed as a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach or an open procedure, and it depends on various factors. 

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can have many health benefits, which include preventing thyroid complications and improving its function. Eat a good diet, especially foods that contain minerals like iodine, selenium, and zinc because they are essential for thyroid function. 

Chronic stress can negatively impact thyroid functions. So to manage stress, try meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. Be physically fit. Stop smoking and drinking alcohol. 

If you are having thyroid problems and looking for the best thyroid surgeon in Hyderabad, consult Dr. Venugopal Pareek, a laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon.