Surgery for thyroid cancer

Surgery is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer. There are different types of surgery. The type you have depends on the type of thyroid cancer you have and the stage. 

Surgery to remove your thyroid gland is called a thyroidectomy. 

Types of surgery for thyroid cancer

There are different types of surgery to treat thyroid cancer. These include removing part of or all of the thyroid gland.

Before your operation for thyroid cancer

Before your operation, you have tests to check your fitness and you meet members of your treatment team. 

On the day of your thyroid cancer surgery

On the day of your operation, your nurse will go through a checklist to help you get ready. 

After thyroid cancer surgery

You will have a few tubes in place when you wake up, such as a drip and a wound drain . You might stay 1 or more nights in hospital.

Problems after thyroid cancer surgery

There is a risk of problems or complications after any operation. After thyroid surgery you might have changes to your voice, and changes to thyroid hormones and calcium levels.

Last reviewed: 
10 Aug 2023
Next review due: 
10 May 2026