THYREOIDECTOMY Meaning and
Definition
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Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of all or a part of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck, just below the larynx (voice box). It plays a vital role in producing hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and other important bodily functions.
Thyroidectomy is typically performed to treat various conditions affecting the thyroid gland. These can include thyroid cancer, large thyroid nodules, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), or goiter (enlarged thyroid gland). The extent of the surgery may vary depending on the specific condition and its severity. A total thyroidectomy involves the removal of the entire gland, while a partial or subtotal thyroidectomy involves removing only a portion of it.
The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, and the surgeon makes an incision in the front of the neck to access the thyroid gland. Depending on the reason for the surgery, the surgeon may also need to remove nearby lymph nodes or any cancerous tissue present. Following the procedure, patients may require lifelong hormone replacement therapy to compensate for the loss of thyroid function.
Thyroidectomy is a well-established and effective treatment option for various thyroid conditions. However, like any surgical procedure, it carries potential risks such as bleeding, infection, damage to surrounding structures, and changes in voice or parathyroid function. Therefore, it is important for patients to discuss the potential benefits and risks with their healthcare provider prior to undergoing thyroidectomy.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for THYREOIDECTOMY
- thyroidectomy
- thryoidectomy
- thyriodectomy
- thiroidectomy
- rhyreoidectomy
- fhyreoidectomy
- ghyreoidectomy
- yhyreoidectomy
- 6hyreoidectomy
- 5hyreoidectomy
- tgyreoidectomy
- tbyreoidectomy
- tnyreoidectomy
- tjyreoidectomy
- tuyreoidectomy
- tyyreoidectomy
- thtreoidectomy
- thgreoidectomy
- thhreoidectomy
- thureoidectomy
Etymology of THYREOIDECTOMY
The word "thyreoidectomy" is derived from two main roots: "thyr(e)oid" and "ectomy".
1. "Thyr(e)oid": This term comes from the Greek word "thyreoeidēs", which means "shield-like" or "resembling a large shield". It is derived from the Greek words "thyreos", meaning "large, oblong shield", and "eidos", meaning "form" or "resemblance". This word was used to describe the shape of the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of the neck and has a shape similar to a shield.
2. "-ectomy": This is a suffix derived from the Greek word "ektomē", which means "cutting out" or "excision". It is often used in medical terminology to indicate the surgical removal or excision of a specific organ or structure.
Similar spelling word for THYREOIDECTOMY
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