Benign Thyroid Diseases
Benign thyroid diseases, such as multinodular goiter, and hyperthyroidism, involve changes in the thyroid cells that are not cancerous.
Often, however, they carry a risk of developing malignancy and are therefore treated by surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (total or partial thyroidectomy).
In recent years, thyroidectomy has been performed with minimally invasive methods and especially with the use of surgical robots.
While ensuring optimal oncological results, robotic surgery minimizes complications from surgery and offers the best cosmetic result, with no visible scar (which is one of the disadvantages of conventional thyroidectomy, especially in young women).
Dr. Konstantinidis and his Surgical Team have extensive experience and specialization in the treatment of benign thyroid diseases, having performed a great number of thyroidectomies.
Why choose Dr. Konstantinidis?
Dr. K. M. Konstantinidis and his team possess vast experience in the field of laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
Dr. Konstantinidis is the pioneer of Robotic Surgery in Greece and one of the leading figures internationally in the field, having performed the largest series of General Surgery operations in Europe with the innovative Da Vinci® robotic system.
What is a Thyroid Nodule?
Benign thyroid nodules are abnormal growths or lumps in the thyroid.
They usually do not cause any symptoms but are detected by chance during a regular medical examination.
Sometimes they grow large enough to be visible and to make swallowing or even breathing difficult.
Most thyroid nodules are benign, but a small number of them contain cancer cells. That is why they are usually tested by obtaining a tissue sample.
Just behind the thyroid gland are the four parathyroid glands, which have nothing to do with thyroid function but control the level of calcium in the blood. Read more about parathyroid gland disorders.
What is Multinodular Goiter?
Goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland.
A large goiter can cause coughing, hoarseness or difficulty breathing.
The most common cause of goiter is the presence of many thyroid nodules.
This condition is called multinodular goiter, which is divided into toxic multinodular goiter, in which the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroxine and causes hyperthyroidism, and non-toxic, where thyroxine production remains at normal levels.
Goiter can also be the result of infections, certain medications, pregnancy or eating habits.
Tests used to diagnose goiter include:
- blood tests
- neck ultrasound
- fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy (on suspicion of cancer)
- computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neck (on suspicion of cancer)
What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism refers to the excessive production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland.
It can be caused by Graves’ disease (an autoimmune thyroid disease), thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, goiter or by too much iodine in the diet.
Hyperthyroidism can cause nervousness, sleep problems, increased appetite, weight loss, a feeling of excessive heat, frequent bowel movements and a fast or irregular heartbeat.
The diagnosis is made with blood tests to check thyroid function, as well as iodine tests.
How are Benign Thyroid Diseases treated?
The treatment of benign thyroid disease includes conservative treatment, through the administration of drugs, and, when necessary, surgical removal of part or the entire thyroid gland, with a procedure called thyroidectomy.
When should a thyroidectomy be performed?
Thyroidectomy is indicated in the following conditions and cases:
- suspected malignancy in a nodule due to an increase in its size or other morphological features, usually on neck ultrasound
- presence of a nodule or goiter that causes local symptoms (compression of the trachea, difficulty swallowing)
- toxic multinodular goiter
The extent of thyroidectomy is determined by the reason behind the surgery. For example, a nodule confined to one side of the thyroid can be treated with a partial thyroidectomy or removal of a lobe (lobectomy).
If the swelling covers the entire gland or there is concern about the possible development of thyroid cancer, then total thyroidectomy is indicated.
