San Antonio, TX
A 33-year-old female asked:
can thyroid nodules be removed without having to remove the thyroids?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Thomas Benda, jr answered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 34 years experience
No,... and yes: Most thyroid nodules don't need to be removed. Nodules larger than 1cm need to be needle biopsied. If they are suspicious for cancer, the nodule, and that lobe of the thyroid are removed. If cancer is found, the entire thyroid is removed. Large bulky nodules in a large goiter are sometimes removed. Rarely alcohol is injected into a nodule to remove it, or ablate it. This is unusual.
5420 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Richard Orr answered
Surgical Oncology 44 years experience
Not usually: We do not recommend removing just the nodule. The recurrence risk is high and the secondary operation is more dangerous due to scarring. Typically we remove one half of the thyroid (lobectomy) or the whole thing (total thyroidectomy) depending on the specific pathology.
5418 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Jan 4, 2018
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits
$15 per month
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.