Thyroid and parathyroid diseases are very specialised areas of general surgery, that cover the small glands located in the front of the neck. Functional problems of the thyroid often respond well to medical treatment, although surgery is a potential treatment option in many cases. For nodules, masses, enlargement of the thyroid gland or cancer, surgery is usually the only treatment option, but does require very careful and expert judgement. 

Parathyroid diseases are often managed for a long time with medications or observation. More often than not, it can be cured with surgery, which avoids the long-term complications (kidney stones, kidney damage, osteoporosis and mood problems) caused by parathyroid gland disease.  

The two operations performed most often are:

Thyroidectomy (or Hemi-thyroidectomy)
A small incision (cut) is made in the front of and at the base of the neck and part or all of the thyroid gland is removed.

Parathyroidectomy
A small incision (cut) is made in the front of and at the base of the neck and one or more of the parathyroid glands are removed.