Hemi-thyroidectomy
You have recently visited your GP with a swelling or lump in your neck or with symptoms that could mean your thyroid is not working correctly. An operation is needed to remove part of the thyroid gland to be sent the laboratory for testing in order to get a diagnosis. This page gives you information about having surgery on your thyroid and the possible risks involved.
What is the thyroid gland?
The thyroid is a small gland in the front of the neck, just below the larynx (voice box). It is shaped a bit like a butterfly, being made up of 2 parts; the wings (lobes) with a central body (the isthmus). The function of the thyroid is to make hormones (thyroxine T4 and triiodothyronine T3) that keep the body working at its normal rate.
Diagnosis
As part of the process of getting a diagnosis, your consultant surgeon may need to remove part of the lobe. This is called a hemi-thyroidectomy (also known as a partial lobectomy). Cells that are removed from your thyroid gland will be sent to the laboratory where they will be looked at under a microscope to see if there are any cancerous cells.
About the operation
The operation will be performed under a general anaesthetic, so you will be asleep and unaware of the process. You will need to stay in hospital for 1 to 2 nights.
A small cut will be made at the front of your neck. The affected half of the thyroid gland will be removed and the cut will be closed. After the operation you will be given pain relief, such as paracetamol, which will help you feel more comfortable.
If you do not have any pain relief at home, please let your nurse know before you are discharged.
Following the operation, a scar will form. The scar is usually in a natural fold in the skin and will fade over a few months. As the wound begins to heal, gently massaging it with a simple moisturising cream will help the scar to flatten and fade.
Risks
As with any operation, there is a small risk of bleeding or infection which can be treated with antibiotics. Due to the position of the thyroid gland, the nerves that control the voice box may be damaged during surgery. If the nerve does become damaged your voice may sound weak and hoarse but this is usually temporary.
Follow up
Your doctor will see you in the outpatient’s clinic a few weeks after the operation. This will be when the results from the laboratory have been received.
The appointment details will be sent through the post after your discharge.
If a cancer diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will explain what happens next and discuss further treatment with you.
Contact information
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Macmillan Head and Neck Clinical Nurse Specialists
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Tel: 0300 422 6785
Monday to Thursday, 8:00am to 4:00pm,
Friday 8:00am to 1:00pm
Out of Hours - Ward 2b
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Tel: 0300 422 6184
Please note that the Ward 2b contact number is only to be used out of normal working hours.
Further information
Further information about the different types of thyroid cancer can be found in the Macmillan booklet ‘Understanding thyroid cancer’.
Please ask a member of staff if you would like a copy of this leaflet. Alternatively, you can order a copy directly from Macmillan, free of charge.
You can also visit the following websites for more information.
British Thyroid Association
Tel: 01423 709707
Website: www.btf-thyroid.org
Macmillan
Freephone: 0808 808 0000
Website: www.macmillan.org.uk