SERVICES
Thyroidectomy
The thyroid gland, shaped like a bow-tie, rests at the stem of the neck and transverses the windpipe. This is an essential gland that secretes two hormones: Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) which controls the body’s metabolism. The thyroid is susceptible to hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and enlarged thyroid, also known as goitre. Unexplained weight gain, depression and, in severe cases, dementia warrant a visit to the doctor to check for signs of thyroid disease. .
Types of thyroid diseases are:
- Thyroid cancer first forms in the thyroid gland cells and may either be slow-growing or aggressive. In most cases, should the cancer spread and cause swelling or neck pain, all or most of the thyroid gland will be removed.
- Goitre, generally a non-cancerous condition, happens when the thyroid gland becomes enlarged and is only resected when it causes discomfort or becomes challenging to swallow or breathe.
- Thyroid nodules are tiny lumps full of fluid that form inside the gland. Most of the time, these nodules are harmless but, in rare circumstances, are removed for fear of being cancerous. Thyroid nodules are often discovered through a routine medical exam or via a scan. Some growths are large enough to be felt, making it difficult to swallow or breathe.
- Hyperthyroidism is due to an overactive thyroid when there’s excessive thyroxine in the body. When anti-thyroid medication or radioactive iodine therapy isn’t a treatment option, a thyroidectomy is the most suitable alternative.
Hyperthyroidism symptoms are:
- Anxiety
- Becoming irritable or nervous
- Weight loss
- Enlarged thyroid (goitre)
- Weak muscles
- Sensitivity to heat
- Eye problems
Hypothyroidism symptoms are:
- Lethargy
- Weight gain
- Intolerance to cold weather
- Dry hair
Thyroiditis is a condition that causes the thyroid gland to swell, which reduces the levels of hormones the gland releases and leads to hypothyroidism. The thyroid uses iodine to release hormones, but an iodine deficiency can affect this process and cause hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an inherited autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body's cells fight against and damage the thyroid gland, which reduces its ability to secrete hormones.
Graves’ disease contributes to hyperthyroidism that occurs when the thyroid gland becomes overactive and produces an excess of hormones.
Additional causes of hyperthyroidism include:
- Overactive thyroid nodules
- A surplus of iodine in the body. Iodine can be found in cough syrups and heart medication.
Your surgeon will suggest a thyroidectomy if:
- You have a nodule present in the thyroid gland
- A diagnosis of thyroid cancer has been confirmed
- The nodule/goitre is making it difficult to swallow or breathe