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Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of your thyroid gland.
Ongoing, steady release of hormones from the thyroid gland is vital to systemic health. These hormones include thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), helping regulate your body’s metabolism. Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped, two-inch-long organ in the front of your neck. To produce its hormones, the thyroid needs iodine and water, with a lack or surplus influencing functioning.
Thyroid hormones are essential, playing a significant role in growth, development, and metabolism, the system providing energy to the body for cells to consume food and function. Critically, the thyroid gland’s functioning can affect every organ in the body if anything goes wrong. For example, metabolism management can impact breathing, body temperature, nerve and mental activity, digestion, and heart rate. It can also affect brain development, bone and skin maintenance, and fertility.
You may need thyroid surgery in Melbourne when there is a problem with the gland itself, such as nodules, goiter, or cancer. You can live without a thyroid, but you will need lifelong hormone replacement supplementation.
These common conditions comprise two types – primary and secondary. The first originates in your thyroid gland, and the second in the pituitary gland located in the brain. Four main concerns include hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), thyroid cancer, and goiter (an enlarged thyroid).
Hypothyroidism can be caused by an iodine deficiency, congenital thyroid nonfunctioning, an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s, or thyroiditis (thyroid inflammation). The condition can also occur after thyroid gland removal or when an overactive thyroid is over-treated.
Hyperthyroidism results from thyroid hormone overproduction, too much iodine, thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, or an autoimmune condition called Grave’s disease. It can also arise from a benign pituitary gland tumour or over-treated hypothyroidism.
Thyroid cancer can include papillary, slow-growing follicular, genetically-based medullary, and the more aggressive anaplastic types. However, most thyroid cancers are curable.
An enlarged gland, or goiter, can be caused by too few thyroid hormones or low iodine concentrations, and often warrants goiter removal surgery.
Once diagnosed, Dr Jane will treat your condition with one or a combination of hormone medication, surgery, radioiodine therapy, and, where appropriate, targeted cancer medications. Surgery recommendations for cancer, nodules, and goiter could include a thyroidectomy, complete thyroid removal. Alternatively, you may benefit from a lobectomy-removing the affected part of your thyroid.
Diagnosing and treating your condition sooner rather than later is always recommended, whether hormone-replacement therapy, thyroid nodule removal, or goiter surgery. So, contact Dr. Harding’s practice today to schedule your appointment.
Got a question about the thyroid or parathyroid glands, their functions, common disorders, or treatment options? View more Q&A here.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It produces hormones (T3 & T4) that regulate metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, and overall body functions, Whereas, the parathyroid glands are four tiny glands located behind the thyroid. They produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.
Blood tests (TSH, T3, T4, calcium, PTH levels), ultrasound, and sometimes biopsy or scans.
Yes, a balanced diet, stress management, regular check-ups, and prescribed medications help maintain thyroid and parathyroid health.
