I have a sister that the Doctors are wanting to remove her thyroid?

Question

This doctor says her tyyroid is causing her brittle bones, and asthma, and all her other health conditions. Can that be true or does she need to see another doctor

Answer 1

Hopefully, your sister's seen an endocrinologist - a doctor who specializes in thyroid disorders.

A thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of all or some of the thyroid gland. This surgery is used to treat benign thyroid nodules and large goiter (noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid). In most cases, thyroidectomy is the preferred treatment of thyroid cancer. A total thyroidectomy removes the entire thyroid, whereas a hemi-thyroidectomy removes a portion of the gland.

The thyroid gland is located in the front section of the neck. The gland captures iodine that has been absorbed into the blood from food and uses the iodine to produce thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones play a major role in regulating the body’s metabolism, the body’s process of using food for energy and growth.

Please take a look at more information on this topic below. I think it will answer many of your questions:

http://cancer.health.ivillage.com/endocrinesystemcancer/thyroidectomy.cfm

Good luck : )

Answer 2

This can be true. The thyroid secretes hormones that assist with the development of your bones and can have an affect on your respiratory system. With out the hormone being properly controlled, your sister can develop some serious problems not just limited to those. Cardiac problems can result too. You should always consider a second opinion if you feel that the first is not done appropriately. That is your right as a patient. Doctors are only human and can make mistakes. They are not God.

Answer 3

Have her get another doctor. The only reason to remove a thyroid if they did biopsy and it came up positive for cancer. Unless cancer or really large goiters and cancerous nodules they do not remove thyroid. I think they need to do proper testing first along with biopsy and thyroid panel testing such as Thyroid Antibody TPO, T4, T3, Free T3, Free T4, T3 Uptake and TSH. TSH should be below 2 on contrary what the lab results state - up to 5.5 is OK - not the case at all. I wish your sister good luck!

Answer 4

my moms best friend, her daughter is 18 and she is very skinny the way it is, and she eats like you wouldnt beilive she sits down and eats three sandwihches and a box of mac and cheese for lunch and she dose not gain anything, and that is because of her thyroid, so i would beilive that the doctor is saying that about your sister is telling the truth.

Answer 5

Anytime surgery is suggested, a second and third opinion are always wise.