Thyroid Cancer Surgery

The thyroid is a gland located in the neck region of the human body. This gland produces two types of hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Hormones; It controls body temperature, heart rate, energy level and some other functions. The thyroid gland is controlled by thyrotropic hormone (TSH) and this hormone is produced by the hypothalamus located in the brain. Thyroid cancer is cancer that occurs when thyroid gland cells grow abnormally. Thyroid cancer surgery, on the other hand, involves the surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. Surgical treatment gives more successful results in the early stages of thyroid cancer. Therefore, early diagnosis is very important.

In this article, the points related to thyroid cancer and surgery will be conveyed through the following headings:

• What is thyroid cancer?
• How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?
• What is thyroid cancer surgery?
• What are the risks of thyroid surgery?

What is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that occurs as a result of abnormal growth and uncontrolled proliferation of thyroid gland cells. The most common type of thyroid cancer is papillary cancer and usually has a low grade of malignancy. Other types of thyroid cancer may be more aggressive and more difficult to treat. This cancer is more common in people over the age of 40. The gender distribution is higher in women than in men.

Symptoms of thyroid cancer are often not apparent in the early stages, so early detection is important. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include:

• Sensazione di massa nel collo
• Gonfiore o cambiamento di forma nella zona del collo
• Dolore o sensazione di tensione al collo
• Difficoltà a deglutire o respirare
• Raucedine nella zona del collo
• Stanchezza generale, debolezza e perdita di peso

How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?

The diagnosis of thyroid cancer is a diagnosis made by physical examination and other tests. First, the doctor performs a physical examination of the patient with a mass in the neck region. In this way, it examines the mass size, frequency, shape and structure. Then, an ultrasonography is performed in the neck area and more information about the mass is obtained. If the mass is a benign tumor, a waiting strategy is usually followed and the size of the mass is checked at later follow-ups. If the mass is a malignant tumor, the doctor may recommend surgical treatment or other treatment methods. He or she can also learn more about thyroid cancer with a biopsy.

What is Thyroid Surgery?

Thyroid surgery is the surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. These procedures are used in the treatment of dysfunctions of the thyroid gland. Thyroid surgery is performed in cases such as thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, thyroiditis, goiter, and excess or deficiency of thyroid hormones. It is usually applied with open surgery method, and this procedure is performed by opening an incision in the neck area. Usually, surgery takes place in a short time and the patient is discharged within a few days. After the procedures, the patient may feel slight pain and swelling in the neck area. This pain and swelling is temporary and disappears over time.

It is possible to list the thyroid surgery methods as follows:

• Radiofrequency ablation: This method is the non-surgical removal of thyroid nodules or areas with thyroid cancer using radio waves. This method can be used to treat thyroid nodules or areas with thyroid cancer without the need to remove all or part of the thyroid gland.
• Total thyroidectomy: In this method, the entire thyroid gland is surgically removed. It is especially used if there is a serious dysfunction in the entire thyroid gland or if there is thyroid cancer in the entire thyroid gland. Total thyroidectomy is usually performed by open surgery technique.
• Open surgery: An incision is made in the neck region and the thyroid gland is surgically removed. This method is used to remove all or part of the thyroid gland.
• Laparoscopic surgery: This method is a surgical technique performed by making small holes. Less harm is done to the human body during the surgical procedure. Laparoscopic surgery can be used to remove all or part of the thyroid gland.

Tiroid Cerrahisi Riskleri Nedir?

Thyroid surgery may involve some risks. Among these, as in any surgical operation, there are risks of bleeding and infection. In addition to these risks, there is a risk of damage to the vocal cords. There may be problems with the patient's vocal cords. There is also a risk of severe deficiency or excess of thyroid hormones. This risk may develop as a result of complete removal of the thyroid gland.