Thyroid Surgery Specialist

Why would I need thyroid surgery?

The thyroid is a small but vital butterfly-shaped gland that lies at the base of your neck. It produces hormones that regulate your heart rate, temperature, how fast you burn calories, and many other aspects of your metabolism.

Several conditions may require thyroid surgery, or thyroidectomy, including:

• Thyroid cancer: the most common reason for thyroidectomy
• Goiter: a noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid that may cause discomfort, difficulty breathing, or significant disfigurement
• Graves’ disease: an immune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, when is not controlled by medidcation
• Thyroid nodules: may affect thyroid function or have characteristics suspicious for cancer
  
  

Depending on the reason for surgery, you may require a partial or total thyroidectomy.

What is a thyroid biopsy?

When you develop a thyroid nodule or lump, a biopsy can help determine whether the abnormal growth is cancerous. During the procedure, your surgeon uses a small, hollow needle to gather a tissue sample from the nodule, which is then sent to a lab for analysis. You may experience a small prick when the needle is inserted, but it is generally a painless and quick procedure that is  well tolerated.

What is parathyroidectomy?

Parathyroidectomy is the removal of one or more of your parathyroid glands. There are four tiny parathyroid glands that lie just behind the outside borders of your thyroid. Each healthy parathyroid is about the size of a grain of rice and helps control the calcium and phosphorus levels in your blood.

When parathyroid glands become overactive, the resulting high calcium levels can lead to:

• Being easily fatigued
• Cardiovascular disease
• Excessive urination
• Kidney stones
• Depression and/or forgetfulness
• Bone and joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting
  
  

Most of parathyroid surgery is performed for a parathyroid adenoma. Malfunctioning parathyroid glands are often noticeably enlarged or show signs of a tumor. Your surgeon removes the affected gland(s) and leaves those that appear healthy.  

Surgeons at Chicago Surgical Clinic are very conscious about cosmetic results and utilize special techniques to improve appearance.The neck area has a very good blood supply which greatly facilitates the healing process.

Call Chicago Surgical Clinic or book a thyroid surgery consultation online today.