Thyroid/Thyroidectomy

There is a definite increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer, which is in part due to radiology tests which are identifying small lesions in the thyroid. Dr. Tamez can help in the evaluation of these thyroid lesions and perform the latest in minimally invasive thyroid surgery if it becomes necessary. His extensive training in head and neck cancer surgery and his wealth of experience in regards to thyroid nodules, goiters and thyroid cancers with and without neck dissections and with or without removal of disease which extends into the chest makes him the surgeon for you. Some thyroid goiters cause problems with swallowing and breathing and sleeping (Compressive Symptoms). Solid or mixed (solid and cystic) are usually followed for growth or a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is performed to further identify. Usually, a FNA is performed for lesions greater than or equal to 1 cm. An FNA is Dr. Tamez's test of choice in evaluating thyroid lesions. Thyroid cysts (without solid component) are benign. Most thyroid lesions are benign and Dr. Tamez focuses on performing small, cosmetically appealing scars.

Key Terms

• Papillary Carcinoma of thyroid
• Follicular Carcinoma of thyroid
• Medullary Carcinoma of thyroid
• Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid
• Hurthle Cell Neoplasm/Adenoma
• Follicular Adenoma
• Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
• Goiter
• Multinodular Goiter (MNG)
• Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve (RLN)
• External branch of Superior Laryngeal Nerve (EBSLN)
• Transient Hypoparathyroidism
• Harmonic Scalpel

Possible Testing

• Thyroid Ultrasound
• Ultrasound Guided Fine Needle aspiration (FNA),
• Thyroid scan
• Computed tomography (CT) scan of the neck
• MRI Neck
• Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy to evaluate vocal cord function and to see if gross involvement of larynx

Possible Treatments

• Hemi vs. Total Thyroidectomy with or without central neck compartment dissection (CND)
• Functional Neck Dissection

Fact Sheets

• Thyroid Disorders and Surgery