How to Find Out if Surgery is Required for Thyroid Lumps
Before becoming too alarmed by a thyroid lump in your throat, keep in mind that most thyroid nodules are benign (non-cancerous). Even so, it is important to schedule an appointment with a throat specialist if you notice a thyroid lump or if you begin to exhibit symptoms associated with thyroid disorders.
Your doctor will be able to recommend the most effective treatment plant. Individuals who are experiencing normal thyroid function may have a “fine needle” biopsy taken to determine whether or not the thyroid nodules are cancerous. Thyroid nodules surgery may be the best course of action to take if other treatment methods have not produced the desired results or if removal of specific glands works best to eliminate the source of the problem.
The most common reason that thyroid removal surgery is required is when the nodules are found to be cancerous. In some cases, partial thyroidectomy is possible. However, ENT surgeons often prefer a total thyroidectomy to significantly reduce the risk that the cancerous cells will return. Other types of surgery include near-total thyroidectomy in which only a small portion of the thyroid is left intact while the rest is removed. A lymphadenectomy is the removal of the malignant lymph nodes in the neck.
Nonsurgical procedures such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and thyroid hormone therapy may also be initiated if thyroid lumps are found to be cancerous. For instance, thyroid hormone therapy makes use of drugs that prevent the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the body. This hormone increases the chance that the cancer will recur or grow. Depending on the nature of the lump in your thyroid, the treatment plan may be a lot simpler than these treatment methods or may require extensive forms of treatment. Visit an ENT doctor to get started on the most appropriate treatment plan.
If you have questions about thyroid cancer, contact your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a thyroid surgeon.
