The Montefiore Hospital: Treating an overactive thyroid

Endochrine Surgeon Charles Zammit on treating an overactive thyroid

Question: I have been diagnosed with an overactive thyroid and surgery has been recommended. What would this involve?

Answer from Mr Charles Zammit, Endocrine Surgeon at the Montefiore Hospital:

An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, to give it its medical name is a condition where the thyroid gland goes into overdrive and produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. This hormone controls your body’s natural functions and an excess of it can make your metabolism too fast.

Although the condition can occur in people of all ages, it is most common among 20–40 year olds*. Women are 10 times more likely to have an overactive thyroid gland than men and it is estimated that around one in 50 women in England are affected**.

A usual symptom of hyperthyroidism is weight loss despite an increased appetite. You may feel anxious, tired and irritable, experience palpitations, breathlessness and have difficulty in sleeping. You may also notice a swelling on your throat. This is known as a goitre.

Once you have had a positive diagnosis for hyperthyroidism, the first line of treatment is usually medication. However, if your thyroid doesn’t respond well to the medicine, or your thyroid is very enlarged, then surgery may be the best option for you. All options will be discussed with a specialist.

The type of operation will depend on what is causing your thyroid to be overactive. You may only need a nodule or part of a lobe removing, but in some cases it is best to remove it altogether- a thyroidectomy. This procedure will eliminate the chance of the condition coming back, but you would need to take thyroxine supplements for the rest of your life***.

Surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic through a small incision in your throat. Your surgeon will try to ensure that it follows the natural crease in your neck. Some surgeons can perform thyroidectomies through keyhole surgery, which leaves just a tiny scar. This procedure can sometimes be done as a day case, so you might not need to spend the night in hospital.

The Montefiore Hospital in Hove provides treatments for all types of thyroid and parathyroid problems, including minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery. For further information please call 01273 828120 or visit www.themontefiorehospital.co.uk

References:
1: British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons: www.baets.org.uk
2: Source NHS.uk
3: British Thyroid Association: www.british-thyroid-association.org/info-for-patients/

The content of this article is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the professional medical advice of your doctor or other health care professional.