When does a thyroid nodule need to be removed?

If a thyroid nodule is causing voice or swallowing problems, your doctor may recommend treating it with surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. If the doctor recommends removal of your thyroid (thyroidectomy), you may not even have to worry about a scar on your neck.

How serious is a growth on your thyroid?

Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within your thyroid, a small gland located at the base of your neck, just above your breastbone. Most thyroid nodules aren’t serious and don’t cause symptoms. Only a small percentage of thyroid nodules are cancerous.

What does it mean to have a growth on your thyroid?

The term thyroid nodule refers to an abnormal growth of thyroid cells that forms a lump within the thyroid gland. Although the vast majority of thyroid nodules are benign (noncancerous), a small proportion of thyroid nodules do contain thyroid cancer.

Is thyroid removal major surgery?

A thyroidectomy is a treatment for a variety of diseases, disorders and conditions of the thyroid gland. A thyroidectomy is a common but major surgery with serious risks and potential complications.

What are the side effects of removing your thyroid?

TUESDAY, Jan. 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid can trigger side effects that send some patients back to the hospital, a new study finds. These side effects include tingling in the fingers that can become tremors and spasms in all muscles of the body — including the heart and muscles surrounding the lungs.

How dangerous are thyroid removal surgeries?

When an experienced surgeon performs thyroid removal surgery, the risk of serious complications is low. However, all surgeries involve some risks. Risks of thyroid removal include: bleeding , which occurs in the first few hours after surgery injury to the nerves that control the voice box

What happens when your thyroid is removed?

Swelling of tissues, increased fluid around the heart and lungs can happen. Muscle reflexes and ability to think slows down. If thyroid gland has been removed during a surgery, hypothyroidism will occur within a few weeks. Thyroid function does not return generally.

What is the recovery time for thyroid nodule surgery?

For most patients the recovery period after thyroid surgery ranges around one or 2 weeks. Driving is restricted for a week. Depending on the amount of thyroid tissue removed, the patient is put on thyroid hormone.