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Surgical Treatment for Thyroid Tumors: Process, Risks & Results

Surgical Treatment for Thyroid Tumors: Process, Risks & Results

Thyroid tumors can affect your health in ways that require more than just watchful observation—you may need to have surgery to improve your long-term health. Regardless of whether the tumor is cancerousor non-cancerous, timely thyroid tumor surgery in Ahmedabad can enhance treatment outcomes and quality of life significantly. Modern surgical options in Ahmedabad make surgery safe and effective and allow patients to recover more quickly than previously.

Understanding Thyroid Tumors and When Surgery Is Needed

The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck and is responsible for metabolism and hormone production. The types of tumors located in the thyroid as well as the degree of severity are diverse, from benign nodules to aggressive cancers. Some tumors will just need observation and sometimes medication, but others will need surgery.Surgery would typically need to happen when:

  • The tumor is confirmed to be cancerous
  • The nodule or mass is so large that it is uncomfortable or is affecting breathing or swallowing. 
  • Suspicious growth that could potentially become cancerous.
  • Non-surgical options for treating the growth or mass have failed.

For every patient considering thyroid tumor surgery in Ahmedabad, understanding the surgical process and factors involved is very important.

The Surgical Procedure for Thyroid Tumors

Surgery for thyroid tumors usually consists of either a lobectomy (removal of 1 lobe of the thyroid) or total thyroidectomy (removal of the entire thyroid gland). The specific surgical procedure depends on the diagnosis of the tumor, its size, and its location.

Pre-operative evaluation

  • The diagnosis is made via detailed imaging and biopsy (fine needle aspiration).
  • Blood tests are done to evaluate levels related to thyroid hormones.
  • Instructions are given to patients regarding fasting and any other changes in medication before the procedure. 

During the Procedure

  • The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
  • The size of the incisional placement is small at the base of the neck.
  • The appropriate part of the thyroid or the total thyroid is carefully removed.
  • Structures adjacent to the area (parathyroid glands, recurrent laryngeal nerve and others) are preserved to minimize complications.
  • The surgery may last from 1-3 hours depending on the complexity of the surgical procedure.

After-Surgery Management

  • Most patients remain in hospital for 1-2 days. 
  • Post-operative pain control aside, all patients are given instructions on how to care for their surgical site.
  • If the entire thyroid gland was removed, patients may begin replacing thyroid hormone immediately. 
  •  Regular follow-up visits after surgery will monitor rehabilitation (healing) and hormone levels.

Risks and Complications of Surgery for a Thyroid Tumor

Surgery to remove a thyroid tumor is generally safe, but like any surgical procedure, it isn't without risk. All patients should be cognizant of complications that could arise within a brief time of the surgery.

  •  Bleeding and infection at the surgical site 
  • Injury to the vocal cords that may, at worst, cause the patient to become hoarse or otherwise lose their voice
  • Accidental (or not) removal or injury to the parathyroid glands, sometimes leading to hypoparathyroidism, or low calcium levels.
  •  In cases of total thyroidectomy, a foreseeable, chronic issue of thyroid hormone imbalance will arise, meaning their body will always need to be on some type of medication to replace it.

Surgeons with experience and access to proper pre-operative evaluation greatly reduce the risks of surgery. Patients who choose to have a thyroid tumor surgery in Ahmedabad are further assured benefits are received by engaging in surgical procedures using advanced surgical techniques while receiving outstanding post operative management.

Expected Results and Long-Term Outcomes

The surgical management of thyroid tumors can be associated with high success rates, particularly in those that are identified early. Major outcomes include: 

  • Removal of malignant or benign tumor tissue. 
  • Relief of symptoms from tumor compression.
  • Recurrence of tumor prevented with adjunctive treatments if needed.
  • Return to normal physiology, with hormone therapy PRN adjunctive.
  • Long term prognosis will depend on tumor types and stages, but surgical treatment is still the foundation for effective treatment.

 Why Do Thyroid Tumor Surgery in Ahmedabad?

Ahmedabad is now a leading region for thyroid tumor surgery due to:

  • Access to highly experienced endocrine surgeons.
  • Access to incredibly modern medical facilities.
  • Access to complete diagnostics and follow-ups.
  • Access to reasonably priced treatments without sacrificing quality. 

Patients interested in having thyroid tumor surgery in Ahmedabad can expect a unique and personalized treatment plan designed to address their specific health needs. 

If you are considering thyroid tumor surgery in Ahmedabad, then it is important to consult a compassionate expert that can support you through the process. For expert consultation and advanced surgical management, you can contact Dr. Supreet Bhatt, a highly recognized head and neck surgeon that focuses primarily on performing thyroid tumor surgeries.

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Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon, Senior Consulatent Zydus Cancer Center, Skull base cancer specialist

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