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Thyroid Surgery

A surgical procedure involving partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland for reasons such as nodules, goiter, or cancer.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Genel Cerrahi department. Book Appointment →

What is Thyroid Surgery?

The thyroid gland is an endocrine organ located in the front of the neck over the windpipe, producing hormones (T3, T4) that regulate metabolism. Thyroid surgery involves removal of part (lobectomy) or all (total thyroidectomy) of the thyroid for reasons such as nodules, goiter, hyperthyroidism, or cancer.

Thyroid nodules are quite common; the vast majority are benign. However, suspicious nodules are identified with fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and imaging, and the decision for surgery is made accordingly.

After total thyroidectomy, the patient needs to take thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) for life. In cases following thyroid cancer, radioactive iodine therapy may also be administered.

Symptoms

Neck swelling or enlargement (goiter)
Difficulty swallowing or change in sensation
Hoarseness (sign of large goiter or malignancy)
Respiratory difficulty (when trachea is compressed)
Visible or palpable mass in the neck
Palpitations, sweating, weight loss, and tremor in hyperthyroidism

Risk Factors

Female sex and age 30–60
Living in iodine-deficient areas
Radiation exposure to the neck area
Family history of thyroid cancer or MEN syndrome
Autoimmune thyroid diseases (Hashimoto, Graves)
History of thyroid nodules

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Rapidly growing mass in the neck
  • Neck swelling accompanied by hoarseness or difficulty swallowing
  • Suspicious or malignant FNAB result
  • Cold nodule on thyroid scintigraphy
  • When symptoms of hyperthyroidism cannot be controlled with medication

Treatment Methods

01
Lobectomy + isthmectomy: for a benign nodule localized to one lobe or low-risk thyroid cancer
02
Total thyroidectomy: surgical treatment of thyroid cancer, bilateral multinodular goiter, and Graves' disease
03
Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT): cosmetic advantage in selected small lesions
04
Robotic thyroidectomy: axillary or retroauricular approach leaving no neck scar
05
Postoperative calcium and thyroid hormone replacement
06
Radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation therapy after thyroid cancer and long-term TSH suppression

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Genel Cerrahi department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.