Am I a candidate for thyroid cancer surgery?
This procedure is recommended for patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer, or for those who find themselves at a high risk of developing it in the future. We recommend you to refer to one of our professional doctors for an evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for surgery.
How do I prepare for thyroid cancer surgery?
Patients with a previous thyroid condition, such as hyperthyroidism, might be prescribed special medication before the surgery to help improve their recovery process. All patients will be asked to avoid eating or drinking for 12 hours before the procedure.
Which surgery do I need?
Your surgeon will do an examination to determine which kind of surgery do you need. If the cancer is small and contained in a single area, a lobectomy will be performed, but if the examination shows that the cancer is bigger and presents signs of spreading, your doctor will choose a thyroidectomy.
Do I need to take hormonal supplements after the surgery?
This depends on how much of your thyroid gland needs to be removed, a thyroid gland can usually perform all of its functions with only half of its original size, but if more than half of your gland has been extracted, you will need to take hormone supplements to replace the naturally occurring thyroid hormone.
What are some of the side effects?
Thyroid cancer surgery usually leads to minor complications, but as with any form of surgery, there is a possibility of risks occurring, these include bleeding, infection, and possible damage to the surrounding tissues. Some patients might experience temporary hoarseness on their voices in the days following the surgery. If you’re experiencing one of these problems contact your specialists immediately.