Thyroid surgery due to a goiter

I'm considering thyroid surgery due to cosmetic reasons. It would be greatly helpful if you could give me any information on the following.

1. I have a walnut-sized swelling that I want to minimize. Does anyone have any idea if surgery for cosmetic reasons would remove part or the whole of the thyroid?
2. If the thyroid is partially removed, will I still have to take hormone replacement medication for the rest of my life?
3. For people taking hormone replacement medication, how often do you have to see a doctor to adjust levels?
4. Is there any long-term effect of this medication?
5. And lastly, generally how expensive is this medication?

I'm really worried about all these issues, and would appreciate your help. Thanks!

[christine01]

What they would remove depends on the location of the swelling. If it is localized to one side, unless they find something, they would remove that side. Some people do just fine with one part of the thyroid removed and do not need meds, but this is a low percentage. I see the doctor every six weeks, but once your optimized on meds, I believe it's once a year. There are no long term effects of meds. The medicine is not expensive, I pay around $25.00 for synthroid. Hope this helps!

Have they tried to shrink the goiter with meds?

[ShannieK]

Hi, do not have a goiter, but knew someone who did, and she had her whole thyroid removed.  They found a goiter and they tried to shrink it first of all with meds, by putting her on replacement therapy, when the goiter continued to grow, they scheduled surgery and had it removed.  She takes 50mcg of Synthroid now, and is in great health.  I could be totaly wrong, but I thought they took sections of the thyroid when there are nodules present, but with a goiter they remove the whole thing.  But i'm not certain.  Has your doctor mentioned what is best?

[JendaiTN]

Hello,

I had a left-thyroidectomy 3 1/2 years ago (was benign but 4 times larger than normal). So far I have not had to take any medications. Hope this helps!

[logan123]

A related discussion, Please help me!!! was started.

[tbuchanan]

A related discussion, Question reguarding Thyroid Surgury was started.