Surgery for thyroid cancer
You usually go into hospital on the morning of your operation, or the day before.
You might have thyroid surgery as an outpatient (day surgery). Or you might stay one or more nights in hospital as an inpatient. It depends on the type of surgery you have. Staying in hospital means that the healthcare team can keep an eye on you and monitor your recovery.
It may be difficult to decide to have surgery for cancer. There are lots of things you might need to consider. This could include how big the operation is and what to expect afterwards.
You see members of your health care team before the operation. You talk about the:
benefits and risks of having the surgery
if there are any treatments you can have instead
what happens if you choose not to have the operation
what is important to you and how the surgery may affect this
You can also ask questions about anything else you would like to know. Talking about this together can help you make the decision that is right for you.
At the hospital you might meet:
A member of the surgical team will tell you about:
the operation you are going to have
the benefits of having surgery
the possible risks
what to expect afterwards
The anaesthetist gives you the and looks after you during the operation. They make sure you’re fit enough for the surgery.
At the pre assessment clinic a nurse or health care assistant checks your:
general health
weight
blood pressure
pulse
temperature
The nurse asks you questions to check your fitness for the operation. They can organise any further tests you might need. They ask about any medicines you are taking (such as blood thinners or thyroid tablets), and if you have or other medical conditions. They give you information about what to expect when you come into hospital for the operation.
You may see a nurse who specialises in thyroid surgery. They can help answer any questions you have about the operation.
You may also see your specialist cancer nurse. They can check what help and support you have to see what you will need when you go home. They are usually your main point of contact, and care for you after your operation for the rest of your treatment.
The physiotherapist assesses how well you can move around. They let the doctors know if there is anything that could affect your recovery.
The physiotherapist also teaches you leg and breathing exercises to do after your operation to help with recovery. Learning how to do the exercises beforehand makes it easier afterwards.
You may have to wait a couple of weeks for your operation date. This may feel like a long time and you might find it difficult emotionally. But it gives you time to have your pre operative assessment appointment and any tests you need.
It also gives you time to prepare yourself. This might include trying to cut down or stop if you smoke or drink alcohol. Or taking part in a prehabilitation programme.
This appointment is to make sure you are well enough for the operation. And to prepare you for it.
You meet members of your treatment team at this appointment and you can sign the consent form to agree to the operation.
They also explain how to prepare for your operation. This includes general information about eating and drinking. You may need to add nutritional drinks to your diet if you need to build yourself up before surgery.
They will let you know if you need to stop any medication, such as anticoagulants which thin the blood or thyroid tablets.
Ask lots of questions. It helps to write down all your questions beforehand to take with you. The more you know about what is going to happen, the less frightening it will seem.
You can ask more questions when you go into hospital so don’t worry if you forget to ask some.
Sometimes you only prepare for the operation once you go into hospital for your operation.
Most people go into hospital on the morning of their operation or the day before.
If you are having a larger operation, the pre operative assessment team talk to you about the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme. This uses research to help people recover quicker after an operation. How they do this depends on what operation you are having. But it might include:
setting goals before surgery for when you go home
having carbohydrate drinks before your operation
removing drips and drains as soon as possible
sitting out in the chair soon after your operation
You have tests before your operation to check:
you are well enough to have an operation and anaesthetic
that you’ll make a good recovery from surgery
The tests you have depend on what operation you are having and any other health conditions you have. You might have some or all of the following tests:
blood tests to check the level of and how well your are working
a swab test to rule out some
An ECG (electrocardiogram) or echo (echocardiogram) to check that your heart is healthy - some people might have both
breathing tests (called lung function tests)
a to check that your lungs are healthy
a cardiopulmonary exercise test
a vocal cord test to see how well your vocal cords are
The pre operative assessment team will explain what these tests are for and how to prepare for them.
Breathing exercises help to stop you from getting a chest infection after surgery. If you smoke, it helps if you can stop at least a few weeks before your operation.
Leg exercises help to stop blood clots forming in your legs. You might also have medicines to stop the blood from clotting. You have them as small injections under the skin.
You usually start the injections after your operation. You might also wear anti embolism stockings or have pumps on your calves to help the circulation.
Your nurse and physiotherapist will get you up out of bed quite quickly after your surgery. This is to help prevent chest infections and blood clots forming.
This 3-minute video shows you how to do the breathing and leg exercises.
We have more information on what happens before cancer surgery and how to prepare. This includes:
questions you may want to ask about your admission
what to take with you into hospital
arrangements you need to make for while you are away
planning for when you get home
It is normal to feel nervous about going into hospital and having an operation. You may find it helpful to try some relaxation techniques.
If you need help to manage your feelings about your operation, speak to your GP or the hospital where you are having the surgery.
Find out more about what happens the day of your thyroid cancer surgery
Last reviewed: 30 Sept 2026
Next review due: 30 Sept 2029
There are different types of surgery to treat thyroid cancer. These include removing part of or all of the thyroid gland.
Doctors will arrange for you to have tests and scans at regular follow up appointments.
After thyroid cancer surgery, you need time for your body to recover and for your wound to heal.
The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland that makes and releases hormones. It’s found at the front of your neck in the lowest part.
