Head & Neck
Thyroid Nodules & Thyroid Surgery
Most thyroid nodules are benign — the work is finding the ones that are not, and treating them with an experienced surgeon.
Thyroid nodules are extremely common, and the great majority are harmless. Evaluation — ultrasound, thyroid function testing and needle biopsy when indicated — identifies the minority that need surgery. Dr. Bortniker is fellowship-trained in head and neck surgery with decades of experience in the medical and surgical management of thyroid disease, including thyroidectomy for nodules, goiter and thyroid cancer.
Reasons for Evaluation
- A lump in the lower neck
- Nodule found on imaging
- Pressure or swallowing changes
- Voice change with a nodule
Talk to a specialist
Experienced thyroid evaluation and surgery — consultation at our Somerville office.
How Nodules Are Evaluated
Ultrasound characterizes the nodule; blood tests check thyroid function; and fine-needle aspiration biopsy — a quick office procedure — samples cells from nodules with suspicious features. Most patients need only monitoring after this workup.
When Surgery Is Recommended
Surgery is advised for biopsy results that are suspicious or malignant, large nodules causing pressure or swallowing symptoms, goiters extending toward the chest, and overactive nodules in selected cases. Depending on the finding, half (lobectomy) or all of the thyroid is removed, with careful protection of the voice nerves and parathyroid glands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need thyroid hormone after surgery?
After removal of half the thyroid, many patients need no medication. After total thyroidectomy, daily thyroid hormone replaces what the gland made — a single well-tolerated pill.