Surgery
Surgery is the best treatment for thyroid nodules that are:
- Cancerous (malignant).
- Suspected to be cancerous.
- Noncancerous (benign) but large enough to cause problems with breathing or swallowing.
People who develop thyroid nodules after receiving radiation treatment to the head, neck, or chest are more likely to need surgery because their risk for developing thyroid cancer is greater. But most nodules in people who have had radiation therapy are not cancerous.
For information about thyroid cancer and its treatment, see the topic Thyroid Cancer.
Surgery Choices
The most common surgical procedure to remove thyroid nodules is thyroidectomy.
What To Think About
Most thyroid cancers grow and spread so slowly that you can delay surgery for a short time if you have a suspicious nodule that is not causing problems. If you choose to postpone surgery, your nodule should be watched closely by an endocrinologist.
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.
