Thyroid Lobectomy and Total Thyroidectomy

Abstract

The incidence of thyroid cancer has almost quadrupled over the last quarter of a century. In 1975, we used to see 8000 new patients with thyroid cancer, whereas today we see approximately 66,000 new patients with thyroid cancer in the U.S. [1]. The majority of these cases are directly related to incidentalomas i.e., nonpalpable nodules, incidental findings of thyroid nodules on routine clinical examination, imaging studies such as ultrasound, carotid Doppler studies, and CT scans or MRIs performed for other cervical problems. Appropriate evaluation of the thyroid mass includes a dedicated ultrasound of the thyroid with recognition of the suspicious features, such as hypervascularity, irregular margins, and punctate calcification. After initial clinical evaluation and ultrasound examination, the patient is generally advised to have a fine needle aspiration biopsy. The results of the biopsy are used to determine whether the patient requires surgical intervention or close monitoring and follow-up. If the needle biopsy is suspicious for or proves to be cancer, the patient will require surgical intervention.

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