The thyroid is a gland located in the neck that secretes hormones to help regulate various functions in your body including energy levels and heart rate. When the thyroid is not functioning normally, it can create several issues in the body including low metabolism, heart problems, eye conditions, and skin diseases. There are some situations when a patient may need thyroid surgery, which is also called a thyroidectomy, to resolve these issues. Learn what to expect before, during, and after thyroid surgery when you meet with Dr. Jesse Tan, Dr. Jesus Tan, or Dr. Rose Eapen at Tan Head and Neck Center in Long Beach, CA.

Reasons for Thyroid Surgery

As is the case with most medical conditions, non-surgical methods of treatment are usually the first course of action for thyroid issues. That might include medications or dietary changes. But there are some cases when your Long Beach, CA, doctor may recommend thyroid surgery. Reasons for a thyroidectomy may include:

• Hyperthyroidism (overactive) or hypothyroidism (underactive).
• Enlarged thyroid (called a goiter) or nodules.
• Thyroid cancer.
• Graves’ disease.

Thyroid Surgery: What To Expect

The first step for evaluating your thyroid gland for surgery is an in-office examination with your head and neck doctor. Your physician will use a physical check, imaging scan, biopsy, and blood tests to determine if surgery should be the next step. Thyroid surgery is a procedure that is usually performed during an inpatient visit to the hospital and requires deep anesthesia. The surgeon will decide whether it’s best to remove all or part of the gland based on a microscopic reading of the gland tissue. After the surgery, you will likely need up to 24 hours of recovery time before release.

After The Thyroid Procedure

To plan for thyroid surgery, you should make arrangements to take off from work and physical activities for at least a week and to have a trusted person help you. You may have difficulty swallowing and talking, so just make it a priority to rest as much as possible. Your doctor will likely prescribe hormone replacement therapy and vitamin supplements. Expect to visit your doctor in about a week for a follow-up appointment.

See Your Doctor About Thyroid Treatment Options

A doctor at Tan Head and Neck Center in Long Beach, CA, can review your case and help you decide if thyroid surgery is the best next step for resolving your thyroid issues. Call (562) 988-8818 today to schedule a consultation and exam with Dr. Jesse Tan, Dr. Jesus Tan, or Dr. Rose Eapen.