What Is Hashimoto's?
7. Surgery
In some cases, doctors remove part or all of the thyroid. They typically only recommend this surgery in extreme cases, such as when a goiter is so large that it prevents the patient from eating, speaking, or talking normally. The presence of malignant nodules or lymphomas also warrants surgical removal.
Some patients prefer to have a thyroidectomy for cosmetic reasons. Some surgeons will consent to remove large, unsightly goiters, while others will do the procedure only when it is medically necessary. A patient who has had the thyroid removed must take medication to compensate for not being able to produce his or her own thyroid hormones.
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