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Thyroid Nodules

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Surgery

Surgery is the best treatment for thyroid nodules that are:

Cancerous (malignant).
Suspected to be cancerous.
Noncancerous (benign) but large enough to cause problems with breathing or swallowing.

People who develop thyroid nodules after receiving radiation treatment to the head, neck, or chest are more likely to need surgery because their risk for developing thyroid cancer is greater. But most nodules in people who have had radiation therapy are not cancerous.

Recommended Related to Thyroid Disorders

Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid disease, is a common disorder. With hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is located in the front lower part of your neck. Hormones released by the gland travel through your bloodstream and affect nearly every part of your body, from your heart and brain, to your muscles and skin. The thyroid controls how your body's cells use energy from food, a process called metabolism. Among other...

Read the Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid) article > >

For information about thyroid cancer and its treatment, see the topic Thyroid Cancer.

Surgery Choices

The most common surgical procedure to remove thyroid nodules is thyroidectomy.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 28, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.