Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
03:55
Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Visualization in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Published on: June 9, 2023
524
Modern internet search analytics and thyroidectomy: What are patients asking?
Neeraj Suresh1, Christian Fritz1, Emma De Ravin1,2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA.
Summary
Patients seeking thyroid surgery information online often receive less helpful content. Search terms influence the quality of "People Also Ask" questions, impacting patient understanding of thyroidectomy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Oncology
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Thyroidectomy is a common head and neck surgery.
- Existing patient information online is limited.
- Patient concerns and information needs are not well-addressed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze Google's
Main Methods:
- Utilized a search engine optimization tool to extract "People Also Ask" (PAA) questions related to "thyroidectomy" and "thyroid surgery."
- Categorized PAA questions using Rothwell criteria and topic analysis.
- Assessed information quality using The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria.
Main Results:
- Analyzed 250 PAA questions, finding future-oriented questions less popular for "thyroid surgery."
- Questions on scarring and hypocalcemia were more prevalent than pain-related queries.
- Low overall JAMA quality scores (2.50 ± 1.07) despite increased "thyroidectomy" searches.
Conclusions:
- The content of PAA questions varies based on presumed user health literacy.
- Searches for "thyroid surgery" yield less educational content on surgical expectations compared to "thyroidectomy."
- This highlights a gap in providing adequate pre- and post-operative information for thyroidectomy patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:23The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and covers the anterior surface of the trachea. The gland has two lateral lobes connected by a thin tissue mass called the isthmus. Internally, each lobe comprises many small spherical structures known as thyroid follicles, surrounded by a network of blood vessels.
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
01:25Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
01:28Graves' Disease I: Introduction
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence in...
01:24Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
01:23Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...