This is a common misconception. We each have only one thyroid gland. The thyroid has two side lobes, connected by a bridge (isthmus) in the middle ,which leads many to believe each lobe is a separate thyroid gland but it is not! The thyroid gland is located just under the voice box, on the front lower part of the neck. It is a butterfly-shaped gland that is relatively small. There are quite a few people in the U.S. who often find their thyroid gland is causing some health issues. With the human body having so many different functions, categories and operating systems, knowing the basic mechanics of them can be a bit daunting.
Thyroid Gland Hormone Function: The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones, which are delivered in the blood, to then circulate it to the tissues in your body. It helps regulate your metabolism, or the process in which your food is transformed into energy. Your thyroid gland also contributes to the organs functioning properly as well as aiding your body to conserve heat. In a nut shell, the thyroid gland does quite bit for your body.
Thyroid Gland Problems: The thyroid gland could be impacted by cysts or nodules, causing improper functioning. Other structural problems could be swelling, making it obvious around your neck area. The thyroid gland could be producing too much hormones, or even be disrupting your metabolism. In many cases, when the thyroid gland is experiencing problems that medications cannot stable, surgery may be the only solution. In some cases, the thyroid gland may be partially removed, and in others it may have to be completely removed. Unfortunately, the only way for your surgeon to know the full extent, is while in surgery.
Thyroid Gland Removal Surgery: More commonly thyroid surgery is needed when tumors or nodules are present. In many cases, the nodules are benign, but some have been known to be pre-cancerous or cancerous. If benign nodules are left unattended, they can grow large enough to obstruct your throat, or even effect the thyroid gland production of hormones, usually making too much, when this happens it is known as hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism: This is often the byproduct of Grave’s disease. Grave’s disease basically misidentifies the thyroid gland, making the antibodies believe it is foreign and need to be attacked. When the antibodies attack your thyroid, it causes inflammation and an over-production of hormones. Surgery is often the most optimal solution for treatment.
Goiter: Goiter AKA thyroid swelling or enlargement, frequently requires surgery as well. Goiters, much like the nodules, can affect a patient’s eating, drinking and talking actions.
Lobectomy: Lobectomy is when the surgeon only removes two lobes due to nodules, inflammation or swelling occurring on only half of your thyroid gland. What is left behind of the thyroid gland retains most if not all the functioning capabilities.
Subtotal Thyroidectomy: is a procedure that removes the thyroid gland, but some thyroid tissue is deliberately left behind. Doing this preserves some level of functionality. Often hormone production is altered, and medication is also necessary.
Total Thyroidectomy: is a procedure that removes the entire thyroid gland and all the thyroid tissue. When this procedure is executed by a surgeon, it is generally because nodules, inflammation, and swelling have tarnished the entire thyroid gland. If cancer is found on the thyroid gland, a total thyroidectomy is also the solution.
If your physician’s have alerted you as to thyroid gland problems, contact ENT Specialists. Our leading experts can help find the underlying problems, and recommend the best treatments and solutions. Call us today to schedule your appointment!
