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Thyroidectomy
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Overview
Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of all or
part of your thyroid gland. Your thyroid is a
butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your
neck. It produces hormones that control every
aspect of your metabolism, from your heart rate
to how quickly you burn calories.
Thyroid gland
Thyroidectomy is used to treat thyroid disorders,
such as cancer, noncancerous enlargement of
the thyroid (goiter) and overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

How much of your thyroid gland is removed during thyroidectomy depends on

the reason for surgery. If you need only part of your thyroid removed (partial
thyroidectomy), your thyroid may work normally after surgery. If your entire
thyroid is removed (total thyroidectomy), you need daily treatment with thyroid
hormone to replace your thyroid's natural function.

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Your doctor may recommend a thyroidectomy if you have conditions such as:
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• Thyroid cancer. Cancer is the most common reason for thyroidectomy. If
you have thyroid cancer, removing most, if not all, of your thyroid will likely
be a treatment option.
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• Noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid (goiter). Removing all or Check out these best-sellers and special
part of your thyroid gland is an option if you have a large goiter that is offers on books and newsletters from Mayo
uncomfortable or causes difficulty breathing or swallowing or, in some Clinic.

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• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Hyperthyroidism is a condition in
which your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. If NEW - Back and Neck Health

you have problems with anti-thyroid drugs and don't want radioactive Mayo Clinic on Digestive Health
iodine therapy, thyroidectomy may be an option.
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• Indeterminate or suspicious thyroid nodules. Some thyroid nodules
can't be identified as cancerous or noncancerous after testing a sample Simple, effective Home Remedies
from a needle biopsy. Doctors may recommend that people with these
nodules have thyroidectomy if the nodules have an increased risk of being
cancerous.

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Risks
Thyroidectomy is generally a safe procedure. But as with any surgery,
thyroidectomy carries a risk of complications.

Potential complications include:

• Bleeding.

• Infection.

• Low parathyroid hormone levels (hypoparathyroidism) caused by surgical

damage or removal of the parathyroid glands. These glands are located
behind your thyroid and regulate blood calcium. Hypoparathyroidism can
cause numbness, tingling or cramping due to low blood-calcium levels.

• Airway obstruction caused by bleeding.

• Permanent hoarse or weak voice due to nerve damage.

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