A thyroid cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. But the good news is that thyroid cancer surgery is an effective treatment. It helps reduce the risk of recurrence and allows patients to regain their health.
This September, in honour of Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, learn about the types of thyroid surgeries. Understanding these options can make decision-making easier for both patients and their families. The earlier you make an informed decision, the better your chances of a full recovery.
Know more from Dr. Suvadip Chakrabarti, a thyroid cancer surgeon in Kolkata.
Types of Thyroid Cancer Surgery
The main goal of thyroidectomy surgery is to remove cancerous tissue. It also helps protect surrounding structures. These include the parathyroid glands, recurrent laryngeal nerve, and vocal cords. The type of surgery depends on the size, spread, and stage of the tumour. Here are the most common types of thyroid cancer surgery, along with their benefits.
Total Thyroidectomy
Total thyroidectomy is the most common thyroid cancer surgery. It involves removing the entire thyroid gland. Doctors recommend this surgery when the cancer has spread to both thyroid lobes.
Benefits of Total Thyroidectomy
- Complete removal of cancerous tissue
This ensures complete removal of cancer cells with a lower risk of recurrence.
- Prevents further spread
By removing the thyroid gland, the surgery stops cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.
- Reduced need for follow-up surgeries
Since doctors remove the entire thyroid, there is a lower risk of needing surgery later.
Although effective, total thyroidectomy requires lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This is because the thyroid is completely removed. Patients require synthetic thyroid hormones to regulate their metabolism and energy levels.
Thyroid Lobectomy
Thyroid lobectomy involves the removal of one lobe of the thyroid gland. This surgery is often recommended for smaller, localised cancers. This happens when the tumour is confined to one side of the thyroid.
Benefits of Lobectomy
- Preserves thyroid function
The remaining lobe may continue to produce thyroid hormones. It reduces the need for lifelong hormone therapy.
- Minimally invasive
It involves smaller incisions and less scarring, allowing for a quicker recovery.
- Lower risk of complications
Compared to total thyroidectomy, this procedure carries fewer complications.
It is suitable for small papillary thyroid cancer or follicular thyroid cancer.
Near-Total Thyroidectomy
A near-total thyroidectomy is like a total thyroidectomy. But a small part of thyroid tissue is left. This surgery is used for low-risk thyroid cancers where removing the entire thyroid may not be needed. But cancer removal is still essential.
Benefits of Near-Total Thyroidectomy
- Preserves thyroid function
Leaving behind some thyroid tissue may reduce the need for thyroid hormone replacement.
- Balanced cancer treatment
It removes most of the cancerous tissue while preserving some thyroid function.
- Lower risk of recurrence
This surgery is effective in preventing cancer from returning.
Partial Thyroidectomy
Partial thyroidectomy involves removing part of the thyroid gland. Doctors recommend this when cancer affects one lobe.
Benefits of Partial Thyroidectomy
- Minimal removal of tissue
It focuses on removing the cancer and preserving thyroid function.
- Faster recovery
As doctors remove less tissue, patients recover faster.
- Preserves thyroid function
It may reduce the need for thyroid hormone therapy. It depends on how much tissue remains.
Doctors recommend partial thyroidectomy for small, localised tumours that have not spread.
Lymph Node Removal (Neck Dissection)
In some cases, thyroid cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes. In this case, a neck dissection may be performed to remove the affected lymph nodes along with the thyroid gland.
Benefits of Lymph Node Removal
- Prevents further cancer spread
Removing the lymph nodes where cancer may have spread reduces the risk of metastasis.
- Accurate cancer staging
Lymph node removal helps doctors assess how far the cancer has spread.
- Improved long-term survival
This surgery increases the chances of successful treatment, especially for more advanced cases.
Minimally Invasive and Robotic Thyroid Surgery
Minimally invasive thyroid surgery uses smaller incisions. It removes a part or the entire thyroid gland. Robotic thyroid surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery. It allows the surgeon to perform the procedure using robotic arms for precision.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Smaller incisions
These result in less scarring and a quicker recovery.
- Shorter hospital stay
Patients may go home the same day or the next day after surgery.
- Faster recovery
With smaller incisions and minimal tissue disruption, recovery time is reduced.
These are ideal for early-stage papillary thyroid cancer or small follicular thyroid cancers.
People Also Ask
Q: How effective is thyroid cancer surgery?
It is effective for papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, and other types. Most patients who undergo surgery have high survival rates. This is true for minimally invasive thyroid surgery.
Q: Is thyroid cancer curable with surgery?
Yes, surgery is often curative, particularly for early-stage thyroid cancer. Follow-up treatments like radioactive iodine may be necessary to eliminate all cancer cells.
Q: What happens if the thyroid is removed?
When the thyroid is removed, thyroid hormone replacement therapy is required for the rest of your life. It helps regulate metabolism and energy levels. Regular follow-ups with the doctor will ensure your thyroid levels are balanced.
Q: What is the recovery time after thyroid cancer surgery?
The recovery time depends on the type of surgery. After lobectomy or minimally invasive surgery, recovery can take just a few weeks. Total thyroidectomy may take longer for full recovery.
Q: Why is lymph node removal necessary?
Lymph node removal ensures that cancer hasn’t spread to surrounding areas. It also helps doctors determine the cancer stage and plan further treatments.
Q: Which is the best surgery for thyroid cancer?
The best surgery depends on the size and spread of the cancer. Lobectomy may be enough for small, localised cancers. But, total thyroidectomy is done for larger or more aggressive cancers.
Recovery and Life After Thyroid Removal
After thyroid surgery, most patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks. Total thyroidectomy patients may need a few months to recover. They also need time to adjust to thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Risks of Surgery
- Damage to the parathyroid glands can cause a calcium imbalance.
- Voice changes may occur if cancer affects the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
- Bleeding or infection, although rare, are potential risks.
Life After Thyroid Removal
With proper medication, patients can lead a normal life after thyroid surgery. Thyroid hormone replacement ensures that metabolism and energy levels stay stable.
Which Thyroid Cancer Surgery Is Right for You?
The right surgery depends on:
- Small tumours
- Lobectomy or partial thyroidectomy may be sufficient.
- Advanced cancer
- Total or near-total thyroidectomy might be needed to remove all cancerous tissue.
- Lymph node involvement
- Neck dissection is necessary if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
Ready to Take Control of Your Health?
If you have recently had a thyroid cancer diagnosis, understanding treatment options is essential. Whether you need a lobectomy, total thyroidectomy, or minimally invasive thyroid surgery, the right choice depends on your diagnosis.
Work with an experienced endocrine surgeon to ensure a safe and effective procedure.
Book Your Consultation Today
For personalised treatment, consult Dr. Suvadip Chakrabarti, a thyroid cancer surgeon in Kolkata.
