How long does thyroid nodule surgery take?

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on March 15, 2025
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This depends on individual circumstances. Generally, when performing thyroid surgery, there are two methods: open and minimally invasive, though the treatment procedures are largely similar. For nodules, we first need to determine their nature. If they are benign, then removal within a certain range during surgery may suffice. However, if intraoperative freezing suggests malignancy, then we face the issue of lymph node dissection, which could significantly prolong the duration of the surgery.

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Written by Hu Jian Zhuo
Nephrology and Endocrinology
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Do thyroid nodules require surgery?

Whether thyroid nodules require treatment generally depends on medical guidelines. Thyroid nodules larger than 1cm with malignant features typically require biopsy. The decision for a biopsy should be made by a professional ultrasonographer after examination. Therefore, upon detecting a nodule, it is crucial to visit a specialized hospital for further ultrasound examination. If the nodule is malignant, we recommend surgical removal. If it is benign, close observation is advisable. However, treatment is necessary under the following conditions: First, if the nodule is too large and compresses other organs, causing breathing difficulties, localized swelling, pain, or other discomforts. Second, if the nodule grows quickly, increasing in volume by more than 50% within six months, the possibility of malignancy should be considered and treatment is needed. Third, if the thyroid nodule is located behind the sternum, which is called an ectopic thyroid nodule, surgical treatment is necessary. If the thyroid nodule is large enough to affect the aesthetics of the neck, surgical treatment may also be considered.

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Written by Hu Jian Zhuo
Nephrology and Endocrinology
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Do thyroid nodules affect pregnancy?

This decision should be based on the nature of the thyroid nodules. If the thyroid nodule is benign, pregnancy generally will not be affected, and it is possible to conceive. However, if the patient has malignant thyroid nodules, I would advise against rushing into pregnancy. Firstly, prioritize treating the malignant thyroid nodules promptly. If you become pregnant during this time, the risks associated with surgery and medications for both the pregnant mother and the fetus are very high. Nevertheless, after receiving timely and standardized treatment and once the patient's condition has stabilized, it is possible to conceive. However, it should be noted that surgery may lead to reduced thyroid function. In the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus relies on the mother for thyroid hormone supply. If the mother's thyroid hormone levels are too low, it can lead to delayed fetal development, and even abnormal brain development, resulting in a baby born with intellectual disabilities. Therefore, women with a history of thyroid disease should develop a treatment plan under the joint collaboration of an endocrinologist and an obstetrician-gynecologist.

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Written by Hu Jian Zhuo
Nephrology and Endocrinology
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How to treat thyroid nodules?

Clinically, if a thyroid nodule is confirmed to be a benign tumor, generally speaking, if thyroid function is normal and the nodule is not large, urgent treatment is not necessary, and regular follow-up is sufficient. If the thyroid nodule significantly enlarges, causing compression of the trachea or nerves, surgery should be considered. Furthermore, for ectopic growth of thyroid tissue behind the sternum, surgical removal is also considered necessary. Another scenario that requires special mention is if a thyroid nodule grows rapidly in a short period and ultrasound suggests calcification or bleeding within the cyst, thyroid cancer should be suspected. In this case, it's advisable to have the nodule surgically removed.

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Written by Hu Jian Zhuo
Nephrology and Endocrinology
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What is a thyroid nodule?

The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the neck of the human body. If some abnormal nodules appear in it, they are referred to as thyroid nodules. Based on histological classification, they can be divided into follicular type, papillary type, and mixed type. A common characteristic of these types is that they generally appear as solitary nodules with a relatively complete capsule; the tumor cells differ from the surrounding thyroid tissue; and the cellular structure inside the tumor is relatively consistent. Generally speaking, middle-aged women are the demographic most prone to developing thyroid nodules.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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Which is more serious, pulmonary nodules or thyroid nodules?

It is impossible to compare the severity between thyroid nodules and lung nodules. Firstly, thyroid nodules and lung nodules occur in different organs. Lung nodules are mostly caused by inhalation of dust, pollutants, or smoke. Thyroid nodules, on the other hand, often result from genetic factors, or issues with the patient’s own constitution leading to the formation of these nodules. Most lung nodules can be classified as benign or malignant through diagnostic tests, whereas it is often difficult to assess the nature of thyroid nodules with standard tests. Additional auxiliary examinations, such as PET-CT or SPECT, and biopsy pathology are needed to determine the nature of thyroid nodules. Therefore, the approaches to observing and handling these two types of nodules are entirely different, and they cannot be compared.