Thyroidectomy in Iran

Understand thyroidectomy, the options to discuss with a qualified clinician and what to confirm before planning a visit to Shiraz.

On this page

• What is thyroidectomy?
• Why is thyroidectomy needed?
• Diagnosis of thyroid diseases
• How is thyroidectomy performed?
• Types of thyroidectomy
• Thyroid lobectomy
• Total thyroidectomy
• Transoral (scarless) thyroidectomy
• Endoscopic thyroidectomy
• What does thyroidectomy in Iran entail?
• Thyroidectomy recovery and aftercare
• Thyroid removal surgery and hypothyroidism
• A practical point for your care
• Planning treatment in Shiraz
• Sources

Thyroidectomy is an effective treatment for a range of thyroid diseases. Thyroid cancer, goiter or hyperthyroidism can be successfully treated using thyroid removal surgery. With the advancements in surgical methods, thyroid surgery can be carried out successfully and with the least complications.

Having Experienced a Failed Plastic Surgery,

Pakistani Girl Chooses Iran for a Perfect Revision

A Smooth Medical Trip to Iran

for an Amazing Transformation

Swiss Patient Trusts Iran for

His Cosmetic Surgery Among All Destinations

Australian Lady Saves Money Having

Successful Plastic Surgeries in Iran

Croatian Girl’s Careful Research Led Her

to Iran for an Amazing Plastic Surgery

A Medical Trip to Iran Is Worth It as You Enjoy

Both Great Surgery Results and Low Prices

Haven’t decided yet? Let us help you, it’s free

What is thyroidectomy?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the lower part of the neck, right below our Adam’s apple, and above the collarbone. It produces hormones that circulate throughout the body, regulating its metabolism, temperature, and other bodily functions.

Thyroidectomy is a procedure to remove the thyroid or a part of it when an abnormality is found in the gland. The surgery is performed to either prevent the growth of cancerous tumors or relieve the symptoms of other abnormalities like thyroid enlargement (goiter).

Why is thyroidectomy needed?

Thyroidectomy is an effective treatment option for conditions and diseases of the thyroid. Some of these conditions can be merely inconvenient while others like thyroid cancer might be life-threatening. An endocrinologist may recommend thyroid removal surgery if the patient is diagnosed with one of the following conditions and cannot benefit from medications alone:

Thyroid cancer: Thyroid cancer is the main reason for thyroidectomy. If left untreated, the malign tumor in the thyroid can spread the cancerous cells to other areas in the body. Thus, surgery is recommended for removing a part (if not all) of the cancerous thyroid. Usually, there are no symptoms. Yet, the patient might experience symptoms related to the size of the nodules, including shortness of breath, difficulty swelling, and visible lumps in the neck.

Thyroid nodules: Thyroid nodules are small lumps that show up in the thyroid. They are rarely cancerous or cause symptoms. Yet, some specialists might recommend surgery for removal of the nodules when the chance of them turning malignant is high. The symptoms are similar to those of thyroid cancer.

Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism refers to a condition in which the thyroid releases too much of T4 and T3 hormones. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease which is an autoimmune condition. It can lead to many symptoms like high blood pressure, nervousness, heat intolerance, seating, and weight gain. To treat hyperthyroidism, the doctor might recommend medication, radioactive iodine or surgery.

Goiter: Goiter or abnormal enlargement of the thyroid can cause difficulty swelling, breathing problems, hoarseness of voice, and coughs. When symptoms get uncomfortable, surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland is recommended. The condition often occurs following other thyroid diseases including hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer.

Hashimoto’s disease: Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition in which your immune system attacks the thyroid gland. As a result, your thyroid produces too little hormones (hypothyroidism). The symptoms include depression, mental fogginess, joint pain, dry skin, and fatigue. This condition is mostly treated with medications. However, some symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease might interfere with your quality of life. For instance, you might have difficulty swallowing. In such cases, surgery is recommended.

Diagnosis of thyroid diseases

Certain symptoms such as fatigue, having dry skin, constipation, and weight gain might imply that there is an underlying cause related to diseased thyroid. In such cases, an endocrinologist performs a series of tests and evaluations to pinpoint the problem, including:

• Blood tests: By testing your blood’s level of thyroid hormones, the doctor will find if you’re hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, or are experiencing any kind of autoimmune disease. A blood test can also help with identifying some types of thyroid cancer.
• Imaging: Your doctor might also use different imaging techniques to find the problem more accurately. Ultrasound, thyroid scan, and radioactive iodine uptake are some common imaging techniques when diagnosing thyroid diseases.
• Biopsy: When the endocrinologist finds a nodule or lump within your thyroid, he or she will suggest taking a biopsy test. The test involves taking some samples of the nodule’s tissue to investigate whether it is benign or cancerous.

If you are diagnosed with one of the aforementioned thyroid diseases, you should know they can be treated and controlled safely and easily. You can consult with our healthcare team for free to learn more about your condition.

How is thyroidectomy performed?

Thyroidectomy surgery is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. Your vital signs will also be monitored using several devices that are attached to you.

The first step of thyroid removal surgery is making a horizontal incision on the lower center of your neck where the thyroid is located. Through this incision, the surgeon can remove all or parts of the thyroid along with some surrounding nodules (if thyroid cancer is the reason for thyroidectomy).

Types of thyroidectomy

Thyroidectomy procedure can be performed using several approaches:

Thyroid lobectomy

Also known as hemithyroidectomy, this method involves removing a part of the thyroid, including the nodules. It is done through a small incision that is big enough to extract the diseased section of the thyroid. It might also involve removing some surrounding tissues that are possibly cancerous.

The surgery is usually performed to effectively treat mild thyroid cancer. It can also be carried out as part of the diagnosis measures the medical team takes to figure out whether the nodules are benign or malignant. If the removed section proves to be malignant, total thyroidectomy will be required after the surgery; in that case, the surgery is known as a completion thyroidectomy.

Thyroid lobectomy surgery has little risk of hypothyroidism after the surgery. As a result, the patient is rarely required to take thyroid medications for the rest of their life.

Total thyroidectomy

Thyroid removal surgery using this approach entails removing all or nearly all of the thyroid gland. The surgeon makes an incision in the area and removes the diseased sections through the incision. The diseased part of the thyroid can either occur as a result of a benign condition such as goiter or be cancerous.

As the surgeon leaves a small amount of thyroid tissue (if any) behind, the body won’t receive the hormones it used to receive from thyroid. Therefore, the patient needs to be on life-long thyroid hormone medications after the surgery.

Transoral (scarless) thyroidectomy

The more recent approach to removing the thyroid is known as a transoral thyroidectomy. It is performed through small incisions inside the mouth. As a result, no visible scars will be left after the surgery. It is an excellent option for those who are concerned about the appearance of scars after thyroidectomy. Consequently, the postoperative complications will be limited and the recovery will be shorter than with the traditional, open approach.

Endoscopic thyroidectomy

Endoscopic thyroid surgery is a minimally invasive method of thyroidectomy. It involves making small one-inch-long incisions (usually on the chest area). Then, the surgeon can operate on the thyroid using endoscopic tools which include a small camera. The surgery may or may not require putting the patient under general anesthesia. The risk of complications is lowe and the recovery is often shorter than with traditional thyroid surgery.

What does thyroidectomy in Iran entail?

As much as the cost of thyroidectomy in Iran is exceedingly low, doctors and hospitals in Iran do not compromise the safety and the quality of medical services offered to patients. Iran is worldly renowned for its ENT treatments, be it a cosmetic surgery or a medical one. Here is what you should expect by choosing Iran as your destination to receive thyroid removal surgery.

Traveling abroad to receive treatment is a daunting idea in itself. When the treatment is a surgical procedure with its inherent risks, your worries and concerns are absolutely legitimate. You deserve to be free of these worries and be able to focus on your procedure alone. That’s why it is a good idea to leave it to a medical tourism company.

Thyroidectomy recovery and aftercare

As there are various approaches to thyroid removal surgery, your recovery dos and don’ts might differ based on your case. Some aftercare steps, however, might be recommended to you after the thyroidectomy surgery regardless of your condition, including the following:

• You are unlikely to experience pain or discomfort during the recovery. In the rare event of pain, you can take pain medications to minimize it.
• In terms of your diet after the surgery, there are no restrictions. But you may prefer soft foods and liquids for a few days after the surgery as you might experience a sore throat while swallowing.

Thyroid removal surgery and hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is an inevitable side effect of total thyroidectomy and (sometimes) thyroid lobectomy. Following the condition, your thyroid hormone level will fall dramatically. To bring your hormone levels into balance, your doctor will prescribe hormone medications. You will be instructed to implement these medications into your daily routine as you must use them for the rest of your life.

A practical point for your care

Before an operation, the pre-assessment team should review your health, previous tests and all medicines and supplements. Ask for written instructions on medicines, eating, drinking and aftercare that apply to your planned procedure.^[1]

Planning treatment in Shiraz

Ask SanaMedTour about the appropriate specialty, appointment arrangements and practical support for your visit. The treating clinician confirms the diagnosis, treatment options, suitability and follow-up after assessment.

Request an itemised written quote identifying the clinician, facility, tests, treatment, medicines, reviews and any accommodation or transfers included.

Sources

Editorial adaptation: 25 October 2026. General information for planning and discussion; your clinician’s individual instructions take priority.