Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid surgery is a medical procedure performed to surgically remove or correct the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is an important endocrine gland in the lower part of the neck that regulates the body’s metabolism. Diseases or problems in the thyroid gland may require thyroid surgery.

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Common reasons for thyroid surgery are:

Thyroid nodules: Abnormal masses or nodules in the thyroid gland may require surgery to determine if they are cancerous and to remove them if necessary.

Thyroid cancer: When thyroid cancer is diagnosed, surgical removal of the thyroid gland is an important step to control or prevent the spread of cancerous cells.

Hyperthyroidism: In the case of hyperthyroidism, high thyroid hormone levels due to overactive thyroid glands, it may be necessary to remove part or all of the thyroid gland.

Thyroid nodule biopsy results: If the biopsy results show that the nodule may be cancerous or may not respond to other treatments, surgical intervention may be considered.

Struma (goiter): Conditions that cause the thyroid gland to enlarge and swell can sometimes require surgical intervention.

Ask a Doctor

For diagnosis and treatment, you can get detailed information from 0533 527 91 46 - 0544 552 76 44 phone numbers and ask questions to Metabolic Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kerim Güzel.

What is Thyroid Cancer and What are the Symptoms?

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer caused by abnormal and uncontrolled growth and proliferation of thyroid gland cells. Symptoms of thyroid cancer occur as a result of abnormal and uncontrolled growth of thyroid gland cells. However, thyroid cancer is usually asymptomatic in the early stages or the symptoms may be quite mild. Therefore, regular thyroid examinations are important for early detection of thyroid cancer. In advanced stages or when the cancer has spread, symptoms may become more pronounced. Symptoms of thyroid cancer can be:

Swelling or mass in the neck: The most common symptom is a feeling of swelling or mass in the thyroid gland or surrounding lymph nodes in the neck. This mass may be noticeable on or around the thyroid gland.
Sore throat or difficulty swallowing: An enlarged thyroid gland can cause a sore throat or difficulty swallowing. There may be pain, discomfort or a feeling of blockage when swallowing.
Voice changes Thyroid cancer can affect the nerves in the neck, compressing the vocal cords and causing voice changes. Symptoms may include hoarseness or a different tone to the voice.
Nodule or mass sensation: Thyroid cancer can cause the sensation of a nodule or a small mass in the neck or under the neck. This may be palpable or noticeable as a lump in the neck.
Breathing difficulties: Difficulty breathing can be caused by an enlarged thyroid gland or metastatic tumors pressing on the trachea or surrounding tissues.
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck: When thyroid cancer progresses, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck may occur.
Chronic cough When thyroid cancer spreads to the lungs or presses on the lymph nodes, breathing problems such as chronic cough or shortness of breath can occur.
Difficulty swallowing Difficulty swallowing may occur as a result of enlargement of the thyroid gland or pressure of the tumor on surrounding structures.

Symptoms can vary with different types of thyroid cancer and may differ from person to person. If you notice any of the symptoms or if you are at risk of thyroid cancer, it is important to contact a doctor to be examined for evaluation and diagnosis.

How is Thyroid Cancer Diagnosed?

Thyroid cancer is diagnosed through physical examination, thyroid hormone tests, thyroid ultrasonography, thyroid scintigraphy and biopsy. Treatment options may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapies, depending on the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s general health and age.

With early detection and appropriate treatment, thyroid cancer usually has a good prognosis. Treatment success rates may vary depending on the type and stage of cancer. The effectiveness of treatment and patient survival is managed through a multidisciplinary approach and is carried out under the continuous follow-up of a specialized medical team.

How to Treat Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer treatment is determined according to the type, stage, spread and general health status of the patient. The treatment plan is created with the evaluation and coordination of a specialized medical team with a multidisciplinary approach. Common methods used in the treatment of thyroid cancer are as follows:

Surgery

Total thyroidectomy: Surgical removal of the entire thyroid gland. This is a common method of treating thyroid cancer.
Half thyroidectomy (lobectomy): Surgical removal of half of the thyroid gland. This may be preferable when the thyroid cancer is small and limited.
Bilateral neck dissection: Surgical removal of lymph nodes in the neck.

Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI): After total thyroidectomy, high doses of radioactive iodine are used to target cells that have spread or recurred in thyroid cancer. Radioactive iodine is intensively taken into the thyroid cells to destroy the cancer cells.

External Radiation Therapy: It aims to shrink and control the tumor by using high-energy rays. It is used in cases where the tumor has spread or cannot be removed by surgery.

Chemotherapy: Drugs used to destroy cancer cells or control their growth. It is usually rarely used for thyroid cancer and may be preferred for more aggressive types.

Targeted Drugs: Drugs that target specific cancer cells and stop their growth. Used in thyroid cancer treatment, especially for medullary thyroid cancer.

Hormone Therapy: Thyroid hormones (levothyroxine) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) are used to regulate levels and prevent the cancer from recurring.

Monitoring and Follow-up: After treatment, it is important to check patients regularly and monitor thyroid hormone levels. Routine follow-up and imaging tests are performed to detect cancer recurrence early.

The methods to be used in the treatment of thyroid cancer are determined depending on the patient’s age, general health status, stage and type of thyroid cancer. The treatment plan can be tailored according to the patient’s response to treatment and side effects. It is important that patients cooperate closely with their doctors and consider all options when making decisions about treatment.

Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid Surgery

What is Thyroid Cancer and What are the Symptoms?

How is Thyroid Cancer Diagnosed?

How to Treat Thyroid Cancer?

You can contact us or make an appointment to get information about Obesity and Metabolic Surgery.

You can contact us or make an appointment to get information
about Obesity and Metabolic Surgery.