Your thyroid gland produces hormones to regulate the rate at which your body carries on its necessary functions. It is located in the middle of the lower neck below the larynx (voice box) and just above the clavicles (collarbones). It is shaped like a bow tie with two lobes (halves) which are joined by an isthmus.


When Is A Thyroid Gland Abnormal?

Diseases of the thyroid gland are very common. The most common diseases are an over-active gland (as in Graves disease) and an under-active gland (called hypothyroidism). An enlarged thyroid gland is often called a goiter. Most abnormalities of thyroid function are treated medically. Your family physician or an endocrinologist would provide the necessary medical treatment.

Patients may develop lumps (nodules) or masses in their thyroid glands. These may appear gradually or very rapidly. Patients who have radiation therapy to the head or neck are more prone to develop thyroid malignancy. A doctor should evaluate all thyroid nodules which includes taking your medical history and a physical examination. An ultrasound, blood tests of thyroid function, a radioactive thyroid scan, fine needle aspiration biopsy, chest x-ray, and/or a CT or MRI scan may also be needed.

Fine Needle Aspiration

Sometimes a fine needle aspiration biopsy may be recommended. This is a safe, relatively painless procedure. A hypodermic needle is passed into the lump and samples of tissues are taken. There is little pain afterward and very few complications from the procedure. This test gives the doctor more information on the nature of the lump and differentiate between a benign and malignant thyroid mass. If the fine needle aspiration is reported as suspicious or suggestive of cancer, then thyroid surgery is required.

What Is Thyroid Surgery?

Thyroid surgery is an operation to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. It is performed in the hospital under general anesthesia. Depending on the extent of the problem, it may be necessary to remove only the lobe containing the lump and the isthmus or the entire thyroid gland. This decision is based on the findings at the time of surgery and your surgeon will discuss these options.

Most patients are discharged one to three days after surgery. Complications after thyroid surgery are rare. They include bleeding, a hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, numbness of the skin on the neck and low blood calcium. Most complications go away after a few weeks. Patients who have all of their thyroid gland removed have a higher risk of low blood calcium post-operatively. It may be necessary to take a calcium replacement if the blood calcium is low and/or take thyroid medication to replace thyroid hormones.