If you’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, you should be working closely with a primary care provider or endocrinologist to manage your condition. But if medications aren’t helping your condition, surgery may be something to consider.
At Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, in Jackson, Mississippi, we want to help you understand when surgery is appropriate for hypothyroidism so you can get the right care.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This can lead to symptoms such as:
The most common cause is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid cells.
In most cases, hypothyroidism is treated successfully with medication rather than surgery.
Most people with hypothyroidism do not need surgery.
If your thyroid levels are stable on medication and you don’t have structural problems with the gland, ongoing care is typically managed by your primary care provider and/or endocrinologist. In these situations, surgery would not improve symptoms and is not recommended.
There are specific situations where a general surgeon plays an important role, even in patients whose primary diagnosis is hypothyroidism. In the following cases, you might need surgery:
Thyroid nodules are common, especially in people with Hashimoto’s disease.
Surgery may be considered if:
We may also recommend surgical removal if the nodule causes symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Goiter is an enlarged thyroid and can occur in hypothyroid patients.
Surgery may be appropriate if the goiter:
We also suggest surgery if your enlarged thyroid doesn’t respond to management with medicine.
If thyroid cancer is diagnosed or strongly suspected, surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid is often the first and most important step in treatment.
Our general surgeons with experience in thyroid surgery work closely with endocrinology and oncology teams to ensure you get thorough and effective care.
Surgery may be an option if you are one of the rare cases in which your autoimmune thyroid disease causes:
While surgery is not routine for autoimmune thyroiditis, it may be considered on a case-by-case basis after thorough evaluation.
If you’re referred to Lakeland Surgical Clinic, your visit includes a review of any thyroid labs and imaging. We’ll have you undergo an ultrasound evaluation and discuss any biopsy results.
Our team goes over the benefits and possible drawbacks of surgery. We put together a plan that’s best for your health in close alignment with your other medical providers, such as primary care providers, endocrinologists, radiologists, and oncologists.
Our goal is always to determine whether surgery is necessary, beneficial, and safe.
If you’ve been told you might need surgery, or you’re unsure whether a surgical opinion would be helpful, a consultation can provide clarity and peace of mind. Call Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, today or use the online tool to reach out.
