What is the Thyroid and what does it do?

The thyroid is a small gland shaped like a butterfly that is located in the lower part of your neck. It plays a crucial role in your body’s functions by producing hormones that regulate your temperature and metabolism. It is also vital to bone health, muscle control and a healthy cardiac and digestive system.

When should the Thyroid be removed?

Even though the thyroid is an important organ, it can sometimes become inflamed or start malfunctioning. During these cases, your doctor may suggest undergoing a procedure called thyroidectomy to remove the gland. You will most likely need to have your thyroid removed if:

• There is a nodule present on the gland. A biopsy will be required to determine if the nodule is benign or cancerous.
• The thyroid has become overactive and does not respond to medication or other treatments. Hyperthyroidism is dangerous and can lead to toxicity in the body or conditions like Graves’ disease.
• A nodule or the entire thyroid gland has become enlarged and is causing bothersome or dangerous symptoms, such as difficulty in swallowing or breathing and changes in voice.

Total thyroidectomy: This involves the removal of the entire thyroid gland and is recommended in cases of thyroid cancer, Graves’ Disease or bilateral nodules.

Hemithyroidectomy: Also known as lobectomy, this procedure involves the removal of one half or one lobe of the thyroid. This procedure is recommended if only one part of the thyroid is affected.

Isthumectomy: This involves the removal of the isthmus, a small tissue that connects the lobes of the thyroid gland.

Getting regular thyroid tests done is the right way of ensuring your thyroid gland is healthy. Contact your endocrinologist today.