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Thyroid Management & Surgery

Thyroid Management & Surgery

Thyroid Management & Surgery involves the diagnosis, medical treatment, and surgical management of disorders affecting the thyroid gland — a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck that regulates metabolism, growth, and energy levels. Thyroid problems may include goiter (enlargement), nodules, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or thyroid cancer. Treatment depends on the specific condition and may include medications, radioactive therapy, or surgery when necessary.

Symptoms

Common symptoms indicating thyroid disorders that may require medical or surgical management include:

  • Swelling or lump in the neck (goiter)
  • Unexplained weight gain or loss
  • Fatigue, weakness, or lethargy
  • Palpitations, anxiety, or tremors
  • Changes in voice or hoarseness
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • Heat or cold intolerance
  • Irregular menstrual cycles or hair loss

Causes

Thyroid disorders can arise due to a range of factors, including:

  • Autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease
  • Iodine deficiency or excess
  • Genetic predisposition or family history of thyroid disease
  • Thyroid nodules or cysts
  • Thyroid cancer or benign tumors
  • Hormonal imbalances or pituitary gland dysfunction
  • Radiation exposure to the neck region

Treatment / Procedure

Thyroid management is customized based on the diagnosis and severity of the condition. It includes:

  • Medical Management: Involves medications to balance thyroid hormone levels — thyroid hormone replacement for hypothyroidism, or anti-thyroid drugs for hyperthyroidism.
  • Radioactive Iodine Therapy: Used to shrink or destroy overactive thyroid tissue in hyperthyroidism or small thyroid cancers.
  • Thyroid Surgery: Recommended for large goiters, nodules, or suspicious/malignant growths. Common procedures include:
    • Hemithyroidectomy: Removal of one lobe of the thyroid gland.
    • Total Thyroidectomy: Removal of the entire thyroid gland in cases of cancer or large goiters.
    • Neck Dissection: Performed when lymph nodes are involved in thyroid cancer.

Thyroid surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 1–2 hours. Most patients are discharged within 24–48 hours. Hormone supplements may be prescribed post-surgery to maintain normal thyroid function.


Benefits

  • Accurate diagnosis and control of thyroid disorders
  • Relief from neck swelling and discomfort
  • Improved breathing, swallowing, and speech
  • Reduced risk of thyroid cancer spread or recurrence
  • Restored hormonal balance and improved energy levels
  • Enhanced quality of life with long-term stability

Prevention / Post-Surgery Care

While some thyroid disorders are genetic and not fully preventable, good health practices and proper care after surgery promote better outcomes:

  • Maintain a balanced diet with adequate iodine intake
  • Take thyroid medications regularly as prescribed
  • Get regular blood tests to monitor hormone levels
  • Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a few weeks after surgery
  • Keep the incision site clean and dry to prevent infection
  • Report symptoms like hoarseness, numbness, or swelling immediately
  • Attend all scheduled follow-ups with your ENT or endocrine surgeon