Thyroid Disorders
What are Thyroid Nodules?
The thyroid gland is located at the middle front of the neck. It produces thyroid hormone which plays a critical role in energy and metabolism.
Nodules can develop in the thyroid gland and may present as a lump in the neck, causing difficulty swallowing or breathing, and in some instances a change in voice. Most thyroid nodules are benign, but up to 10% can be malignant (cancerous). Evaluation of thyroid nodules typically requires a needle biopsy under ultrasound guidance. Fortunately, the majority of thyroid cancers can be cured with surgery alone, or in combination with radioactive iodine.
Thyroidectomy
Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid, and is indicated for nodules that are suspected of being cancerous, an enlarging thyroid gland (known as a goiter) causing significant symptoms with pain, pressure difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, extension into the chest or voice changes, a thyroid nodule that is producing too much hormone, or sometimes in cases involving inflammatory or autoimmune thyroid diseases.
