Goitre Treatment in Antalya
Goitre is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. It may be diffuse, multinodular or toxic; iodine deficiency, autoimmune disease and nodular disorders are the main causes. Management is individualised based on ultrasound, hormone levels, biopsy results and patient symptoms.
What is goitre and why does it develop?
Goitre refers to structural enlargement of the thyroid gland. Hormone levels may be normal (euthyroid) or disturbed (toxic, hypothyroid goitre).
- Iodine deficiency or excess
- Autoimmune disorders (Hashimoto, Graves)
- Thyroid nodules and multinodular goitre
- Genetic and familial predisposition
- Certain medications and environmental factors
Main symptoms
Small goitres often cause no complaints and are discovered incidentally. Larger ones may cause visible swelling, pressure and hormone-related symptoms.
- Visible neck swelling or asymmetry
- Difficulty swallowing or feeling of fullness
- Breathing difficulty, especially when lying down
- Palpitations, sweating, weight changes (with hormonal imbalance)
- Hoarseness (rare, due to compression)
Diagnosis
Assessment combines examination, blood tests and imaging. Suspicious nodules are evaluated with fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB).
- Thyroid function tests (TSH, fT3, fT4) and antibodies
- Thyroid ultrasound (nodule number, structure, vascularity)
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) when indicated
- Thyroid scintigraphy for suspected toxic goitre
Treatment options
Not every goitre needs surgery. Observation, medical therapy or surgery are selected based on findings.
- Active observation in small, euthyroid, asymptomatic goitre
- Medical therapy for hormonal imbalance
- Radioactive iodine in selected toxic goitre
- Surgery (lobectomy or total thyroidectomy) for suspected malignancy, compressive symptoms, cosmetic concerns or hyperthyroidism not controlled with medication
After surgery
Hospital stay is usually 1–2 days. After total thyroidectomy, thyroid hormone replacement is required; calcium levels are closely monitored.
The incision is placed within a neck skin crease and usually fades significantly over time.
Process in Antalya
Op.Dr.Gökhan ATEŞ practices in Muratpaşa, Antalya, and welcomes patients from Konyaaltı, Lara, Kepez as well as from other regions of Türkiye and abroad. For your first consultation please bring previous blood tests and ultrasound reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every goitre need surgery?+
No. Small, euthyroid, non-compressive goitres are usually followed. The surgical decision is made by combining compressive symptoms, biopsy results and hormone status.
Will a goitre resolve on its own?+
Most goitres do not regress spontaneously. Treatment depends on the cause; some iodine-deficient goitres may shrink with replacement therapy.
Is goitre surgery risky?+
In experienced hands it is a safe procedure. Possible risks (hoarseness, transient low calcium) are explained in detail at consultation.
Will I need lifelong medication after surgery?+
After total thyroidectomy, lifelong hormone replacement is required. After lobectomy, it is not always necessary.
Which treatment is best for toxic goitre?+
Depending on age, gland structure and comorbidities, antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine or surgery may be chosen.
This content is for general information only; diagnosis and treatment require an individual medical evaluation.