Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
History Of Thyroidectomy. On Oroxine. Reduced Dosage. Possiblity Of Residual Tissues After Removal And Taking Off Medication?
I had a total thyroidectomy 17years ago and have been on Oroxine ever since. In the last 18months my dosage as been reduced down to 75mcg per week and it has to be checked again in 2 months. My questions are 1) is it possible to leave some tissue behind during removal 2) is it possible that the remaining tissue can spontaneously start functioning again after 15years 3) If I am taken off the medication completely and it stops working again how long will it be before I start seeing symptoms and what would they be?
Thu, 30 May 2013
Hi
To say whether residual tissue remains after surgery would depends on the type of initial surgery performed. For a Total thyroidectomy, residual thyroid tissue is generally not seen. However, for near total or subtotal thyroidectomy residual thyroid function may be seen. To check residual thyroid function I would advice these two tests
1. Serum thyroglobulin levels
2. USG of thyroid
Whether you would be taken off medications or not is subjective and difficult to say, however I would advice you to get done routine thyroid function tests atleast every 6 months
Regards
Dr. Om Lakhani.
To say whether residual tissue remains after surgery would depends on the type of initial surgery performed. For a Total thyroidectomy, residual thyroid tissue is generally not seen. However, for near total or subtotal thyroidectomy residual thyroid function may be seen. To check residual thyroid function I would advice these two tests
1. Serum thyroglobulin levels
2. USG of thyroid
Whether you would be taken off medications or not is subjective and difficult to say, however I would advice you to get done routine thyroid function tests atleast every 6 months
Regards
Dr. Om Lakhani.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Thyroid
Loading Online Doctors....