Thyroid Conditions

Multinodular Goitre

A mulitnodular goitre (MNG) is when the thyroid gland becomes diffusely enlarged. This may cause problems with swallowing or breathing and may be evident as a painless swelling at the front of the neck. 

​

Depending on your symptoms, there may be indication for removal of half (hemithyroidectomy) or all of your thyroid gland (total thyroidectomy).​

Surgery for overactive thyroids

Overactivity of thyroid glands (hyperthyroidism) is usually managed with medicines to control the level of activity of the thyroid and thus, control symptoms. However, in some instances, people may not get on with the medications or their thyroid activity is not fully controlled with the medicines prescribed. In these situations, surgery to remove the whole thyroid (total thyroidectomy) is an option to remove the overactive thyroid.

Thyroid nodules (benign and cancerous)

The thyroid nodule can develop nodules over time and this is common. Between 50-70% of people will develop a thyroid nodule and a small percentage of these people will have a nodule big enough to feel on their neck. Most thyroid nodules (95%) are benign (non-cancerous). 

​

To assess a thyroid nodule, the first investigation is an ultrasound of the thyroid and neck. If there are any suspicous features of the nodule, a needle biopsy is performed (fine needle aspiration and cytology - FNAC). 

​

Recommendation on the managment of the thyroid nodule will be based on the ultrasound and needle biopsy result. 

​

Any patient with a confirmed or very high index of suspicion of a thyroid cancer will be discussed at the Head and Neck Multidisciplinary Team (H&N MDT) meeting at The Bristol Royal Infirmary to ensure such patients are managed in accordance of national guidelines.