The thyroid gland is an organ that resembles a butterfly, weighing 20-25 grams, under the cartilage called the Adam’s apple. Its task is to produce, store and deliver thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. Thyroid hormones have the task of regulating the functions of every cell and tissue in the body. When the thyroid hormone is secreted less, the body functions slow down, and when it is secreted too much (hyperthyroidism), the functions of the body accelerate.

What is thyroid nodule?

Swelling and lumps in the thyroid gland are called thyroid nodules. The nodule formed by abnormal proliferation of thyroid cells may be one or more. The nodule, which is more common in women, is also seen in older age, iodine deficiency and radiation exposure.

The majority of thyroid nodules are benign. However, in some nodules there is a risk of cancer, hyperthyroidism and pressure to the trachea. As a result of the examinations, if there are such risks in the nodules, they should be treated.

How to treat thyroid nodule

Thyroid nodules are treated surgically. If a cancer is detected in the nodule as a result of the examination, different surgical methods are used according to the condition of the patient.

Thyroid surgery process

In thyroidectomy method all or most of the thyroid gland is removed. A small incision is made at the base of the neck. Although in most cases the entire thyroid gland is removed, in some cases 1-2 g of tissue is left. The purpose of this is to prevent damage to the nerve if there is a thyroid tissue intertwined with the voice nerve.

In thyroid lobectomy, one lobe of the thyroid gland is removed. This method can be applied when the cancer is small. If the cancer has spread, lymph nodes can also be removed during the operation.

After surgical treatment, high dose atomic treatment is applied to the patient. The goal of this treatment is to eliminate cancer cells scattered elsewhere in the body. Atomic therapy may be administered more than once depending on the patient’s condition.

The healing process

The patient may begin to consume food after 4-6 hours from the surgery. He is discharged after 1 night in the hospital. Pain in patients is very mild, usually there is no need for painkillers.

Thyroid cancer may reoccur after many years of treatment. Therefore, the patients should be under control and have some periodic imaging and analysis performed. The majority of thyroid cancers have a better course than other cancers and the treatment results are successful.