Dr Dennis T H Lim
Head and Neck General SurgeonMBBS (Singapore), M.Med (Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh), FRCS (Glasgow), FAMS (Surgery)
The thyroid may be small, but it plays a central role in controlling the body’s metabolism. So when thyroid disorders surface, the effects can extend well beyond hormone levels and begin to impact overall well-being. It is therefore important to seek appropriate treatment when issues involving this vital gland occur.
While most thyroid conditions respond well to medication or other non-surgical treatments, surgery may be advised when the condition begins to significantly affect daily life. A thyroidectomy, which involves removing part or all of the thyroid gland, is typically considered when symptoms persist despite treatment or when medical therapy is no longer sufficient to manage the condition effectively.
Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within the thyroid gland. Most nodules are non-cancerous and do not cause symptoms. However, surgery may be recommended if a nodule is visible or large enough to press against the windpipe (trachea) or oesophagus. In addition, if a fine-needle biopsy suggests that the cells may be cancerous, surgery is often performed to remove the nodule along with surrounding tissue.
A goitre is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, often due to iodine deficiency, inflammation or multiple nodules growing together (multinodular goitre). While not all goitres require surgery, removal may be necessary if the enlargement presses on nearby structures such as the airway or oesophagus. This causes a visible swelling in the neck, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough.
Thyroid cancer is one of the conditions where surgery is usually the primary treatment. There are several types of thyroid cancer, including papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic thyroid cancers. Depending on the cancer’s type and stage and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, your surgeon may remove just the affected lobe (lobectomy) or the entire gland (total thyroidectomy).
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of hormone, accelerating the body’s metabolism. This can lead to rapid weight loss, a fast heartbeat or nervousness. While anti-thyroid medications and radioactive iodine therapy are common first-line treatments, surgery may be considered if a patient cannot tolerate medication or has a large goitre associated with hyperthyroidism.
Two primary autoimmune diseases affect thyroid function: Hashimoto’s disease usually leads to underactivity of the thyroid (hypothyroidism), while Graves’ disease leads to overactivity (hyperthyroidism). Surgery may be required if the thyroid gland becomes significantly enlarged and causes discomfort, or if there is a suspicion of lymphoma or cancer developing within the gland.
Thyroid cysts or nodules can return after being drained or treated with less invasive methods. If a thyroid condition keeps recurring despite non-surgical management, removal of the affected portion of the gland may provide a permanent solution. Similarly, if cancer returns in the lymph nodes or remaining thyroid tissue after a previous partial surgery, further surgical intervention is often required.
Thyroid conditions can be complex but with proper assessment and timely treatment, they are highly manageable. When surgery is recommended, it is done with the goal of relieving symptoms, preventing complications and restoring quality of life.
At Dennis Lim Surgery, care is centred on accurate diagnosis, clear communication and personalised treatment planning. Leading the team is Dr Dennis Lim who previously served as a senior consultant surgical oncologist at the National Cancer Centre Singapore and as a Senior Consultant General Surgeon at Singapore General Hospital. To accurately assess whether your thyroid condition requires surgery, make an appointment with our specialist today.
Dr Dennis T H LimHead and Neck General SurgeonMBBS (Singapore), M.Med (Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh), FRCS (Glasgow), FAMS (Surgery)
Dr Dennis Lim is a specialist in head and neck surgical oncology, with particular expertise in tumour surgery. Trained at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, Dr Lim previously served as senior consultant surgical oncologist at the National Cancer Centre and Singapore General Hospital. He now runs a private practice, offering personalised, multidisciplinary care and employing advanced surgical techniques to achieve optimal outcomes for patients with head, neck and skin tumours.
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