Thyroid Conditions & Surgery Overview
A hormone-producing gland located at the base of your neck; the thyroid plays an essential role in regulating your metabolism, energy levels and overall health. Thyroid conditions affect how the gland functions and may impact many systems throughout the body. While some thyroid conditions can be managed with medication and ongoing monitoring, others may require surgical treatment.
Many thyroid conditions can be successfully managed with medication and care from an endocrinologist. When surgery is necessary, endocrinologists and endocrine surgeons work together to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs.
Thyroid surgery is one component of the broader field of Endocrine Surgery, which also includes treatment for conditions affecting the parathyroid glands, adrenal glands and other hormone-producing organs.
Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville is Georgia’s first and only Center of Excellence in Endocrine Surgery accredited by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). This distinction recognizes hospitals and surgeons that meet rigorous standards for patient safety, quality and outcomes. Learn more about Endocrine Surgery Center of Excellence at NGHS
If you or a loved one has a thyroid condition and are exploring treatment options, the specialists at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) can help determine the approach that’s right for you.
What does the thyroid gland do?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck, just below the voice box (larynx). It produces hormones that help regulate many important functions throughout the body, including:
- Metabolism
- Energy levels
- Heart rate
- Body temperature
- Weight management
- Growth and development
When the thyroid produces too much or too little hormone, it can affect nearly every system in the body and lead to a wide range of symptoms. Depending on the underlying condition, treatment may include medication, ongoing monitoring or surgery
What are the symptoms of a thyroid condition?
Thyroid conditions are generally divided into two categories: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Both conditions can cause the thyroid gland to become enlarged, a condition known as a goiter. Other symptoms vary depending on whether the thyroid is producing too much or too little hormone.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much hormone. Symptoms may include:
- Facial swelling
- Increased heart rate
- Weight loss
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety
- Irregular periods
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough hormone. Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Temperature sensitivity
- Slow heart rate
- Thinning hair
- Heavy periods
Who’s at risk for thyroid conditions?
While anyone can develop issues with the thyroid gland, some people are at a higher risk than others. Some of the risk factors for developing a thyroid condition include:
- Being female
- Family history
- Being above 60
- Autoimmune diseases
- Radiation exposure
How are thyroid conditions diagnosed?
If you have a lump in your neck, symptoms of thyroid disease or abnormal thyroid blood work, your primary care provider may recommend additional testing to determine the cause.
Some tests used to diagnose thyroid conditions include:
Blood Testing
Blood testing measures thyroid hormone levels and can help determine whether your thyroid is overactive, underactive or functioning normally.
Thyroid Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging allows your provider to evaluate the size and appearance of the thyroid gland and identify nodules or other abnormalities.
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy
If a thyroid nodule is discovered, your provider may recommend a fine needle aspiration biopsy. This minimally invasive procedure helps determine whether a nodule is benign or cancerous and can guide treatment recommendations.
Additional Imaging
In some cases, additional imaging studies may be recommended to provide more information about the thyroid gland or surrounding tissues.
After diagnosis, your physician may refer you to an endocrine surgeon with NGPG for additional evaluation, biopsy or surgery. Learn more about Endocrine Surgery.
How are thyroid conditions treated?
Depending on the condition affecting your thyroid, treatment may begin with medication and ongoing monitoring. When surgery is recommended, the endocrine surgery team at NGPG Surgical Associates offers advanced treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs.
Some of the options we offer for thyroid surgery include:
- Thyroidectomy: The full or partial removal of the thyroid.
- Thyroid lobectomy: The removal of a single lobe of your thyroid.
- Lymph node dissection: Removal of nearby lymph nodes or tissue to treat cancer.
Who should get thyroid surgery?
Thyroid surgery may be recommended when a thyroid condition cannot be effectively managed with medication, when cancer is suspected or confirmed, or when symptoms affect a patient’s quality of life.
At NGPG Surgical Associates, we recommend surgical treatment for the following conditions:
- Thyroid cancer: Surgery is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer, and it has very good outcomes for cancer patients. A part of a nationally recognized oncology program at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, our general surgeons at NGPG have access to the latest research and technology, as well as a comprehensive oncological team.
- Hyperthyroidism & Graves’ Disease: For many patients, hyperthyroidism can be successfully treated with radiation or medications, but surgery may be the most appropriate option in some cases. Your provider may suggest thyroidectomy or a thyroid lobectomy for treatment.
- Goiter: A condition that causes the enlargement of the thyroid gland, some patients with goiter choose to have surgery on their thyroid gland for cosmetic reasons, and others because the condition is causing difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- Thyroid nodules: Most nodules or lumps on the thyroid are noncancerous and do not cause any symptoms, but diagnostics are always recommended to ensure that they are not dangerous. Our team can help determine if they are cancerous or noncancerous and develop a treatment plan.
What is recovery like after thyroid surgery?
Most patients go home the same day following thyroid surgery, depending on the procedure performed and their individual needs. Recovery times vary, but many patients return to normal activities within two to three weeks. [
During recovery, you may experience:
- Mild neck soreness
- Temporary discomfort when swallowing
- Temporary changes in your voice
- Fatigue while healing
Depending on whether all or part of your thyroid is removed, you may need thyroid hormone replacement medication following surgery. Some patients may also need calcium supplementation while their body adjusts after treatment. Your care team will provide personalized instructions and monitor your progress throughout recovery.
Learn more: What to expect from Thyroid Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
Are thyroid nodules cancerous?
Most thyroid nodules are noncancerous. However, evaluation and appropriate testing are important to determine whether a nodule requires monitoring or treatment.
When is thyroid surgery recommended?
Thyroid surgery may be recommended for thyroid cancer, suspicious thyroid nodules, hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease or an enlarged thyroid (goiter) that causes symptoms.
Will I need medication after thyroid surgery?
Patients who undergo a total thyroidectomy typically require thyroid hormone replacement medication. Some patients who have only part of the thyroid removed may not require long-term medication.
How long does recovery take after thyroid surgery?
Most patients return home the same day and recover within two to three weeks, although recovery times vary depending on the individual and the procedure performed
Choose NGPG for Thyroid Surgery
Our experienced thyroid surgeons provide specialized care for a wide range of thyroid and parathyroid conditions. As part of Northeast Georgia Health System and the Endocrine Surgery Center of Excellence, patients benefit from coordinated care, advanced surgical technology and access to a comprehensive team of specialists.
Whether you have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, a thyroid nodule, Graves’ disease, hyperthyroidism or a goiter, our team can help you understand your treatment options and determine whether surgery is right for you. To schedule an appointment with NGPG Surgical Associates, call 770-219-9200 or request an appointment online.
