Thyroid problems can lead to weight gain, hormone imbalances, and even mood issues. For a consultation about partial or full removal of your thyroid or parathyroid, visit ENT Specialists of Austin.
Serving patients in Austin and Cedar Park, Texas, our team of Physicians perform routine thyroid surgery and other operations for ear, nose, and throat health. To schedule a consultation, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Thyroid & Parathyroid Disorders Q & A
What are Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery?
A thyroidectomy is an operation that involves the removal of your thyroid gland, or just a portion of it. You may need a thyroidectomy if you have a thyroid mass, a proven thyroid cancer, or an overactive gland. An enlarged gland also called a goiter, that causes cosmetic neck swelling, swallowing difficulty, or breathing difficulty may also require removal.
A parathyroidectomy is an operation for removing a parathyroid gland, which is necessary if it causes high calcium levels or other symptoms.
When is Thyroid or Parathyroid Surgery Necessary?
Over time, thyroid and parathyroid dysfunction can lead to a host of health problems, some very serious. With surgery, your physician can remove all or part of the thyroid or parathyroid gland, which relieves symptoms and resolves health problems associated with the gland.
- Thyroid Symptoms: The thyroid gland is responsible for controlling overall body metabolism, and you may need surgery if it is over- or underactive. If your thyroid is overactive, you may –
- Feel jittery
- Sweat easily
- Have a high heart rate
- Lose weight
- Feel jittery
- Symptoms of an underactive thyroid include:
- Fatigue
- Slow thinking
- Feeling cold all the time
- Weight gain
- Parathyroid Symptoms: Symptoms of overactive parathyroid, a gland that sits behind the thyroid, include –
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Depression
- Kidney stones
- Osteoporosis
- Fatigue
What Can I Expect with Thyroid or Parathyroid Surgery?
At ENT Specialists of Austin, our team of Physicians are experts at thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. The physicians have extensive experience with the complex neck anatomy involved in these procedures.
They use minimally invasive techniques with intraoperative hormone level monitoring to ensure successful outcomes with small incisions and minimized scarring. As an added level of protection, your physician utilizes intraoperative nerve monitoring to help protect the critical nerves in this region during surgery.
In most cases, you’ll return to your normal activities in better health within 1-2 weeks. You may have a sore throat for a while, but this resolves quickly.
To learn more about thyroid or parathyroid surgery at ENT Specialists of Austin, call the office or book an appointment online today.