Thyroidectomy

Thyroidectomy may be considered for the following reasons:

• Goiter: A goiter is an enlarged thyroid that may cause hoarseness and difficulty breathing and/or swallowing
  

• Nodules: Most thyroid nodules are benign, but occasionally a thyroid nodule can be a cancerous tumor
  

• Cancer: Treatment of thyroid cancer starts with removal of the thyroid
  

• Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid can sometimes be treated with oral medications or radioactive iodine, but some require more urgent attention or the above treatments may not be an option. A small number of patients may have to undergo thyroidectomy