Surgical Associates of Central New Jersey

We Provide Surgical Treatment for...

Appendicitis

Breast Disease

Colon Disease

Gallbladder Disease

Hernia

Hiatal Hernia (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease)

Thyroid Conditions

Vascular Disease

DISCLAIMER

Thyroid Conditions

Thyroid nodules can be benign or malignant:

Benign nodules are not cancer. Cells from benign nodules do not spread to other parts of the body. They are usually not a threat to life. Most thyroid nodules (more than 90 percent) are benign.

Malignant nodules are cancer. They are generally more serious and may sometimes be life threatening. Cancer cells can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Also, cancer cells can break away from a malignant nodule and enter the bloodstream or the lymphatic system.  That is how cancer spreads from the original cancer (primary tumor) to form new tumors in other organs. The spread of cancer is called metastasis..

The following are the major types of thyroid cancer:

Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers account for 80 to 90 percent of all thyroid cancers. Both types begin in the follicular cells of the thyroid. Most papillary and follicular thyroid cancers tend to grow slowly. If they are detected early, most can be treated successfully.

Medullary thyroid cancer accounts for 5 to 10 percent of thyroid cancer cases. It arises in C cells, not follicular cells. Medullary thyroid cancer is easier to control if it is found and treated before it spreads to other parts of the body.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the least common type of thyroid cancer (only 1 to 2 percent of cases). It arises in the follicular cells. The cancer cells are highly abnormal and difficult to recognize. This type of cancer is usually very hard to control because the cancer cells tend to grow and spread very quickly.

Thyroid Surgery

For thyroid surgery, plan on spending one or two days in the hospital. During the procedure, you will have an intravenous line that provides you with medications and fluids. You'll be given general anesthesia so you'll be asleep during the procedure.

An incision is made in your neck, along a crease in your skin. The surgeon may remove one half of the thyroid gland (lobectomy), most of the gland (subtotal thyroidectomy) or the entire gland (total thyroidectomy). Sometimes, the decision about how much of the thyroid to remove can't be made until the surgeon makes the incision and can see the area around the thyroid.

Once the procedure is completed, the incision is closed with surgical strips or sutures.. Occasionally, a drain may be left in the incision to remove fluid that can build up. Usually you will stay in the hospital one day.

Office Address & Directions

Office Hours

Monday thru Friday: 
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Important Links

Somerset Medical Center