Thyroid Surgery in Charleston, SC

There are a few primary reasons for these types of surgeries such as a case of thyroid cancer or a goiter/nodule that is large enough to cause problematic symptoms. This goiter or nodule is typically treated using thyroid surgery if the patient experiences:

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Compression of the trachea
  • Displeasure at the unsightly size of the mass
  • Other severe symptoms associated with related conditions of the thyroid such as Graves’ disease, a toxic nodule, or a toxic multinodular goiter

Naturally, the severity of the reason for thyroid surgery will be the biggest factor in determining which type of thyroid surgery to pursue for each individual.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism causes your thyroid to make too much thyroid hormone, which may result in weight loss, rapid heart rate and mood swings. If hyperthyroidism is detected by a physician after a thyroid hormone test, you will begin antithyroid medicines. Surgical intervention may be needed if the antithyroid medicines do not work.

Hypothyroidism

Individuals with an under-active thyroid have a condition known as hypothyroidism. When the thyroid is not as active as it is supposed to be, it means that the thyroid gland is not producing enough hormones that are essential for various functions all over the body. In order to effectively treat a person’s hypothyroidism, your ENT doctor must first determine the cause of the condition and its influential factors. Most cases of hypothyroidism can be managed using daily medications to balance the T4 and TSH hormone levels of the body. This is often achieved using oral thyroxine pills to help make up for the hormones that the thyroid is unable to produce on its own. If these medications do not work, surgery may be needed. 

Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are abnormal growths that cause a lump, or multiple lumps, in the thyroid gland. Even though most thyroid nodules are benign and not symptomatic, a physical examination, thyroid ultrasound, thyroid scan and biopsy are necessary.

Thyroid Cancer

There are many types of thyroid cancer, including papillary, follicular, medullary and lymphoma. If symptoms do occur, they most commonly include pain in the neck, difficulty swallowing, excessive coughing and pressure in the neck. Thyroid cancer can be detected through a thyroid ultrasound, CT scan, MRI and chest X-rays. Surgical intervention will be needed to remove the cancerous tissue.