When might I need thyroid surgery?

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate your metabolism and affect nearly every vital function in your body, including your heart rate, body temperature, breathing, and muscle mass.

Surgery to remove part or all of the gland is often needed to treat conditions such as:

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid, is typically caused by an autoimmune disease. You may also develop the condition when toxic thyroid nodules develop.

Goiter

A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland due to an autoimmune condition or thyroid nodules.

Thyroid nodules

Nodules are abnormal growths that develop on the thyroid gland. They can become toxic when they produce thyroid hormones.

Thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer, the most common cancer in women aged 20 to 34 and the sixth most common cause of cancer in women of all ages, is treated by surgically removing the tumor.

When might I need parathyroid surgery?

The four parathyroid glands behind your thyroid gland regulate the amount of calcium in your bloodstream. You may need surgery to remove one or more of the glands when they become overactive and produce excessive hormones, a condition that’s usually caused by a noncancerous tumor.

Can I get minimally invasive thyroid and parathyroid surgery?

Dr. Cohen has extensive experience performing minimally invasive thyroid and parathyroid surgery, using one small incision to perform the procedure. In some cases, Dr. Cohen may perform minimally invasive robotic surgery.

What type of thyroid and parathyroid surgery might I receive?

Your thyroid gland consists of two lobes attached by a small bridge of tissue called the isthmus. When performing thyroid surgery, Dr. Cohen may do one of three procedures:

Lobectomy

During a lobectomy, Dr. Cohen removes one entire lobe, with or without the isthmus.

Near-total thyroidectomy

Also called a subtotal thyroidectomy, this procedure removes most of the gland, leaving behind one small piece of the lobe so you still have a source of thyroid hormones.

Total thyroidectomy

During this procedure, Dr. Cohen removes the entire thyroid gland.

Parathyroid Resection

When you need surgery to remove one or more of the parathyroid glands, called parathyroidectomy, Dr. Cohen often is able to do a focused, targetted, minimally-invasive procedure. Sometimes, he needs to visually examine all four glands. In 80-85% of all cases, only one gland is involved.

To schedule a consultation for thyroid or parathyroid surgery, call Jason Cohen, MD, FACS, or book an appointment online.