Surgery for thyroid & parathyroid glands
What is surgery for thyroid and parathyroid glands?
The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that sits in the lower middle part of the neck and secretes a hormone (thyroid hormone) that is involved in regulating the body’s metabolism. Surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid is the standard of care to treat thyroid cancer, suspicious thyroid nodules and enlarged thyroid glands causing neck discomfort and/or swallowing difficulties. Thyroid surgery is also sometimes used for the treatment of an overactive thyroid gland. Thyroid nodules (a lump or bump in the thyroid gland) are incredibly common, and the vast majority are noncancerous and can just be followed.
Parathyroid glands are small glands that sit in the lower part of the neck, adjacent to the thyroid gland. These glands secrete a hormone that very tightly regulates calcium levels in your blood. Calcium is an important mineral in the blood that regulates the way your nerves and muscles work. Surgery to remove one or more parathyroid glands (adenoma) is the standard treatment for hyperparathyroidism, a condition associated with high calcium levels in the blood from parathyroid gland overactivity.
Our approach
We have a long history of being a highly recognized, premier center for the management of thyroid and parathyroid disease. With us, you gain the advantage of an integrated, multidisciplinary team, as well as access to leading-edge therapies and world-class facilities that provide every level of support and care. This includes the latest technologies for diagnosing and treating thyroid and parathyroid diseases, such as:
- Initial evaluation of a newly diagnosed thyroid nodule, including in-office ultrasound, fine needle aspiration biopsy and thyroid nodule genetic testing
- Preoperative localization testing, including in-office high resolution ultrasounds, nuclear technetium sestamibi scanning and 4D CAT scanning
- State-of-the-art technologies during surgery, such as intraoperative nerve monitoring and intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay
If you have been diagnosed with thyroid or parathyroid cancer, your surgeon will explain all your treatment options and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. Throughout your treatment, you will work closely with a dedicated team of specialists in head and neck oncology, endocrinology and nuclear medicine who collaborate to ensure seamless coordination of your care.
Types
Thyroid surgery
Thyroid lobectomy – A thyroid lobectomy is the removal of one half of the thyroid gland (either the right or left lobe). This procedure is most often performed for large noncancerous nodules—for example, a very enlarged thyroid lobe (goiter), small and noninvasive thyroid cancers, and thyroid nodules causing overactivity of thyroid gland function (hyperthyroidism).
Total thyroidectomy – A total thyroidectomy is the removal of the entire thyroid gland. This procedure is most often performed for larger invasive thyroid cancers, large goiters and certain metabolic conditions. The removal of lymph nodes next to the thyroid gland and elsewhere in the neck (neck dissection) is sometimes required for the management of more advanced thyroid cancers, and in cases where the lymph nodes are noticeably involved.
All of our patients are carefully followed after surgery by their surgeon and endocrinologist. Some patients with thyroid cancer may require the administration of radioactive iodine (RAI) after surgery as part of their treatment plan. This treatment can be used to destroy any thyroid tissue not removed by surgery. Occasionally patients who have very advanced or recurrent thyroid cancer may also be managed by our radiation and medical oncologists
Parathyroid surgery
Our team utilizes state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat patients with hyperparathyroidism. Working closely with our radiology team members, preoperative localization testing such as high resolution ultrasound, nuclear technetium sestamibi scanning, and 4D CAT scanning is performed to localize the side and position of the abnormal parathyroid gland(s). At the time of surgery, intraoperative parathyroid hormone blood testing is also performed to assess for a cure, once all abnormal parathyroid tissue is removed. Access to an abnormal parathyroid gland is obtained through a small medically place incision in the low-middle part of the neck. Parathyroid surgery is performed as a same-day procedure.
Clinical research at Northwell
For certain types of advanced or aggressive thyroid cancers, you may also have opportunities to participate in new trials.
Support groups
A cancer diagnosis brings a variety of challenges—from managing side effects to practical and emotional issues. At Northwell Health Cancer Institute, we offer a full range of integrated support services and resources to assist you and your caregivers throughout your cancer care.
You also can do things at home to make yourself feel better while you go through treatment. Contact the American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345 or visit their website for more information.