What does thyroidectomy mean?
Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland, a small gland in the neck that helps regulate metabolism and other bodily functions. A total thyroidectomy removes the entire gland, while a partial thyroidectomy removes only a section of it. The procedure may be recommended for conditions including suspicious nodules, thyroid cancer, severe hyperthyroidism, or an enlarged gland causing compression. In both British and American usage, thyroidectomy is principally a medical and surgical term rather than an everyday expression. Its construction reflects its history: thyroid refers to the gland's shield-like appearance, and the suffix -ectomy denotes excision or removal. Although the term is technical, it remains widely understandable because it transparently identifies a procedure involving the thyroid and conveys the central fact that tissue is surgically excised.
nounThe surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. The term may refer to the operation or, by extension, the anatomical result of the procedure.
- The surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland.
"She underwent a thyroidectomy after imaging revealed suspicious nodules in her thyroid gland."
"The surgeon recommended a thyroidectomy because the nodule could not be safely observed."
"Her recovery after thyroidectomy was slower because low calcium levels required additional treatment."
The standard plural changes the final y to i and adds -es.
"The surgeon has performed hundreds of thyroidectomies over the course of her career."
Thyroidectomy combines two vivid Greek elements: the thyroid was named for its shield-like shape, while the surgical suffix -ectomy means cutting out or removing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does thyroidectomy come from?
Thyroidectomy combines thyroid with the combining form -ectomy, which comes from Greek ektomē, meaning “excision” or “removal.” The word thyroid entered English through French and Latin from Greek thyroidē, “shield-shaped,” ultimately referring to thyreos, “door,” because the gland resembles a shield. Modern medical derivatives such as thyroiditis and thyrotoxicosis continue to use the same thyroid element.
How thyroidectomy is actually used
This is a specialist medical term used chiefly in clinical contexts and health reporting. It is not normally used for the act of removing the gland in every surgical setting when a more specific term is available.
Easily confused with thyroidectomy
Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid gland, whereas thyroidectomy is an operation to remove thyroid tissue.