Thyroid
Benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumors of the thyroid gland
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the center of your neck. By secreting thyroid hormone, the thyroid gland controls the metabolism of every cell in your body.
An enlarged thyroid gland is called a goiter. A goiter will usually form very slowly over many years, and initially it may not cause any symptoms. With time, the thyroid enlargement may cause compression of surrounding structures, leading to difficulty swallowing or breathing. Patients with compressive symptoms will usually require surgery. We can also perform surgery if the patient does not like the bulging neck caused by the goiter.
Sometimes the thyroid gland develops nodules within it. In most cases, thyroid nodules are not tumors, and they do not require surgery. Conversely, thyroid nodules that are tumors will most often require surgical removal. The type and extent of thyroid surgery will depend upon your physician’s evaluation, and whether the tumor is benign or malignant.