Can They Just Take The Thyroid Nodule Out?
Question: I have a thyroid nodule about 5cm non cancer and I have been told by my doctor that I need to have my thyroid taken out. Do they have to take the whole thyroid out? Can they just take the thyroid nodule out?
Brief Answer:
No need to remove whole thyroid.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
No, not always there is a need to remove whole thyroid. If the nodule is only in one lobe, half of the thyroid can be removed. But it all depends of the location of it and if there wont be other nodules.
And even if the whole thyroid needs to be removed, this should not affect your life. Thyroid hormones supplements once a day is all you will have to take.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The nodule is on the left lobe and I was told it is about 5cm large. It has been that way for about a year. Is it better to remove the whole thyroid or just the nodule? My doctor said it would be better to take out the whole thyroid. Do you agree or disagree? Which do you think is better?
Brief Answer:
.
Detailed Answer:
Well, considering that you are above 60 and the nodule is large, it is safer for you to remove almost whole thyroid (not whole). It is called subtotal thyroid resection.
It is thought that large tumor and age over 60 are the risk factors of thyroid cancer. So the safest option for you is almost complete resection. There should be left a small part of thyroid so the hormones secretion would be sufficient.
So I do agree with your doctor.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for answering my questions.
Brief Answer:
.
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar