What Health Concerns Indicate I Might Need Thyroid Surgery?

Michael Sutker, MD, PA Blog What Health Concerns Indicate I Might Need Thyroid Surgery?
What Health Concerns Indicate I Might Need Thyroid Surgery?

The thyroid is a small endocrine gland that sits in front of the windpipe in the throat, with one lobe on either side, making it look like a butterfly. It produces two important hormones — thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) — both of which control your metabolism, or the speed at which your body uses energy.

If the gland malfunctions, it may produce too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism). Either of these conditions can lead to a number of uncomfortable symptoms that need to be medically addressed.

At the office of Michael Sutker, MD, PA, in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Sutker and our expert team diagnose and treat problems of the endocrine system, including the thyroid. As many people aren’t familiar with the problems a thyroid malfunction may cause, we’re here to take a closer look at the health concerns that may indicate you need thyroid surgery.

The basics of the thyroid and its hormones

To produce its hormones, the thyroid requires iodine, an element found in most table salt, as well as in water. Too much or too little iodine can affect the levels of the thyroid hormones, leading to hyper- or hypothyroidism.

Thyroid hormones help control many bodily functions, including:

Your body has a complex process to control its thyroid hormone levels. It starts in the hypothalamus (a region on the underside of the brain), which secretes thyroid-releasing hormone (TRH).

Then, TRH stimulates the pituitary gland near the base of the brain, prompting it to secrete thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Finally, TSH stimulates the thyroid’s follicular cells to release T4 and T3 — as long as you have adequate iodine stores.

Signs and symptoms of a thyroid problem

Different thyroid conditions have different symptoms, but there are certain symptoms that may indicate you have a thyroid problem, such as:

If you experience any of these symptoms — especially if you’ve noticed several of them — make an appointment with Dr. Sutker so he can test your thyroid to see if it’s malfunctioning.

Treating thyroid problems

Medications are usually the first line treatment for both hyper- and hypothyroidism.

Thyroid medications

Antithyroid medications are used for hyperthyroidism; they work by blocking the ability of your thyroid to make hormones. Beta-blockers help treat the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, but don’t treat the thyroid condition itself.

Radioactive iodine may be used for both hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. The radioactivity damages the thyroid cells, eventually leading to the destruction of the entire gland.

Thyroid hormone medications are a synthetic form of thyroid hormones used for the treatment of hypothyroidism, as well as for when the thyroid has been surgically removed or destroyed by radioactivity.

Thyroid surgery

Thyroid surgery may be warranted if medications aren’t controlling your symptoms adequately, if you have a cancerous mass or nodule on the gland, or if you have a swelling of the gland called a goiter that interferes with your breathing or swallowing. The procedure for removing the thyroid is called a thyroidectomy.

If Dr. Sutker removes your entire thyroid, you’ll need to take thyroid hormone medication for the rest of your life to compensate for the loss.

Expert care for thyroid dysfunction 

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms that indicate a compromised thyroid gland, it’s time to see Dr. Michael Sutker for an evaluation. Call 972-576-9954 to set up an appointment today, or book a visit online at your convenience.

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