Hallmark Speciality ENT Clinic · Kharadi, Pune
Thyroid and parathyroid surgery in Pune
Many thyroid lumps are harmless and only need monitoring. When an operation is advised, it is carried out by a head and neck surgeon.
The thyroid and parathyroid glands
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck that makes hormones controlling the body’s metabolism. Lumps in the thyroid (nodules) are common, and most are not cancerous. A goitre is a general enlargement of the gland.
The four small parathyroid glands sit behind the thyroid and control calcium levels in the blood. An overactive parathyroid gland, most often caused by a benign growth, can raise blood calcium.
Common symptoms
- A lump or swelling at the front of the neck
- A feeling of pressure, or difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness or a change in voice
- Breathing difficulty with a large goitre
- For parathyroid problems: tiredness, kidney stones, thinning bones, or high calcium found on a blood test, often without other symptoms
When to see an ENT specialist
See a doctor about any new lump in the neck. Seek prompt review if a lump is growing quickly or feels hard, or if it comes with hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or difficulty breathing.
How it is diagnosed at the clinic
Assessment usually includes an examination of the neck, blood tests for thyroid function (and calcium for parathyroid problems), and an ultrasound scan. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), in which a few cells are taken with a thin needle, helps show whether a nodule needs treatment.
Before surgery, the vocal cords may be checked with an endoscope. Other scans are arranged when needed.
Treatment options
Not every thyroid nodule needs an operation. Many are simply monitored with periodic ultrasound, and problems with thyroid hormone levels are often treated with medicines, together with your physician or endocrinologist.
Surgery may be recommended for:
- Nodules that are suspicious for, or confirmed as, cancer
- A goitre causing pressure symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Some cases of overactive thyroid
- An overactive parathyroid gland
Depending on the problem, half of the thyroid (hemithyroidectomy) or the whole gland (total thyroidectomy) may be removed. For an overactive parathyroid gland, the affected gland is removed (parathyroidectomy).
What recovery generally looks like
Thyroid surgery is done under general anaesthesia through an incision placed in a natural skin crease of the neck, usually with a short hospital stay. Mild discomfort on swallowing and temporary hoarseness are common.
Calcium levels are checked after surgery. People who have the whole thyroid removed need thyroid hormone tablets for life. Your surgeon will discuss the specific risks with you, including effects on the voice and calcium levels.
Frequently asked questions
Are most thyroid nodules cancerous?
No. Most thyroid nodules are benign. Tests such as ultrasound and FNAC help decide which nodules need treatment.
Will I need tablets after thyroid surgery?
After the whole thyroid is removed, thyroid hormone tablets are needed for life. After half the gland is removed, many people do not need them, but blood tests are checked to make sure.
Can thyroid surgery affect my voice?
The nerves to the voice box run close to the thyroid and are carefully protected during surgery. Temporary hoarseness can happen, and lasting change is uncommon. Your surgeon will explain the risks in your situation.
Dr. Halikar’s relevant experience
Dr. Sudhir Halikar is a Consultant ENT, Head & Neck Surgeon with 33+ years of experience. He trained at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital and Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, is a former Associate Professor at IMSR Medical College, and performs surgery at Noble Hospital.
- Thyroidectomy, parotidectomy and submandibular gland surgery
- Thyroglossal cyst surgery
- Fine needle aspiration and endoscopic examination of the throat and voice box
- Postgraduate training at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai
Related treatments
This information is general and not a substitute for a consultation.