National Thyroid Awareness Month (January) is the perfect time to shed light on the importance of thyroid health and understanding thyroid disease. The thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck, plays a significant role in regulating various bodily functions. However, thyroid disorders are more common than you might think. An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. Up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition. (American Thyroid Association)
An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, yet up to 60% are unaware of their condition. This small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck produces hormones that influence every cell, tissue, and organ in your body. Women are particularly at risk, being five to eight times more likely than men to develop thyroid problems. Early detection and treatment are vital to managing thyroid disorders effectively.
Common Thyroid Conditions:
- Hypothyroidism: This condition occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
- Hyperthyroidism: The opposite of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism results from an overactive thyroid gland, causing symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety.
- Thyroid Nodules: These are growths or lumps on the thyroid gland. While most are benign, some may require further evaluation.
Surgical Biopsies:
In cases where thyroid nodules raise concerns, a surgical biopsy may be necessary. This procedure involves removing a small tissue sample from the thyroid gland for analysis. Paragon Surgical Specialists utilizes advanced surgical techniques to perform minimally invasive thyroid biopsies to help ensure an effective diagnosis and minimal patient discomfort. One of the primary reasons for a thyroid biopsy is the presence of a suspicious thyroid nodule. Thyroid nodules are lumps or growths on the thyroid gland. While the majority are benign (non-cancerous), some may raise concerns. A biopsy is performed to determine whether a nodule is cancerous (malignant) or benign (non-malignant). When a patient has persistent thyroid symptoms, such as an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) or abnormal thyroid function test results, a biopsy may be recommended to investigate the underlying cause.
Sometimes, the removal of part or all of the thyroid gland is needed to diagnose and treat various thyroid conditions, including:
- Thyroid Cancer: If a biopsy confirms the presence of thyroid cancer, surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) is often recommended. The extent of surgery depends on the type and stage of thyroid cancer. In some cases, only a portion of the thyroid may need to be removed.
- Large Thyroid Nodules: Large benign thyroid nodules that cause symptoms like difficulty swallowing or breathing may require surgical removal.
- Hyperthyroidism: In cases of severe hyperthyroidism that do not respond to medication or radioactive iodine treatment, surgical removal of the thyroid gland may be necessary.
- Suspicion of Thyroid Cancer: In some cases, when a thyroid nodule is highly suspicious for cancer, but the biopsy results are inconclusive, surgery may be recommended to obtain a definitive diagnosis.
After the removal of all or a significant portion of the thyroid gland, patients typically require lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This is because the thyroid hormones the gland produces are essential for regulating metabolism and various bodily functions. Thyroid hormone replacement medication, such as levothyroxine, is prescribed to maintain the body’s thyroid hormone levels.
Patients will also need regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor thyroid hormone levels and overall health. Adjustments to medication dosage may be necessary over time. They may need to make dietary and lifestyle adjustments to manage their thyroid health effectively. This includes maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, and avoiding iodine-rich foods and supplements if advised by their healthcare provider.
A thyroidectomy is generally safe, but like any surgery, it carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, and damage to nearby structures such as the parathyroid glands (which control calcium levels) and the recurrent laryngeal nerves (which control vocal cord function). Careful monitoring and follow-up are essential to address any potential complications. Paragon Surgical Specialists surgeons and medical staff discuss surgical risks, pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery with each patient. After surgery, we closely follow your recovery and will address any issues or concerns you may have.
NOTE: Any thyroid biopsy or surgery can vary depending on the individual’s medical history, symptoms, and diagnostic findings. Recommendations and procedures are determined by your medical team including primary care providers, endocrinologists, and surgeons who specialize in thyroid disorders.
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