FAQs

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Why is thyroid surgery done?

Surgery is used to treat thyroid problems if:

Thyroid cancer is present or is suspected.

A noncancerous (benign) nodule is large enough to cause problems with breathing or swallowing.

A fluid-filled (cystic) nodule returns after being drained once or twice.

Hyperthyroidism can’t be treated with medicines or radioactive iodine.

You may have all or part of your thyroid gland removed, depending on the reason for the surgery.

Thyroid surgery is generally a safe surgery. But there is a risk of complications, including:

Hoarseness and change of voice. The nerves that control your voice can be damaged during thyroid surgery. This is less common if your surgeon has a lot of experience or if you are having a lobectomy rather than a total thyroidectomy.

Hypoparathyroidism. Hypoparathyroidism can occur if the parathyroid glands are mistakenly removed or damaged during a total thyroidectomy. This is not as common if you have a lobectomy.

World-class endocrine surgeons offer comprehensive care for thyroid cancer, hyperparathyroidism and other disorders of hormone-producing glands. We blend specialty expertise with innovative surgical techniques to deliver excellent outcomes.

We treat both routine and rare disorders of the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands, including:

Adrenal tumours, including adrenocortical carcinoma.

Cushing’s syndrome.

Goitres.

Graves’ disease.

Hypercalcemia.

Hyperparathyroidism and parathyroid adenomas.

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

Parathyroid cancer.

Phaeochromocytomas of the adrenal gland (adrenaline-secreting tumours).

Primary aldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome).

Thyroid nodules including those found on ultrasound.

Thyroid cancer, including medullary thyroid cancer.

Thyrotoxicosis.