Thyroid Surgery and Care Resource.

There are several causes for swelling of the thyroid gland. Each type of swelling or nodule has different requirements and outcomes.

You can start here to look at the different types of thyroid cancers. The treatment of each type of thyroid cancer differs based on the type and the outcomes also change based on the type.

• Papillary Thyroid Cancer: The most common thyroid cancer with the best outcomes.
• Follicular Thyroid Cancer: The second most common thyroid cancer with great outcomes.
• Hurthle Cell Thyroid Cancer: Less common, but a very good outcome of thyroid cancers if treated appropriately.
• Medullary Thyroid Cancer: A very rare type of thyroid cancer which also can be inherited in some individuals.
• Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: A rare and very aggressive thyroid cancer.

When it comes to thyroid conditions, surgical intervention is a common and effective treatment for both benign tumors and thyroid cancers. The choice of surgery depends on factors such as the thyroid’s condition, tumor size, lymph node involvement, and the specific disorder.

In cases where complete removal of the thyroid gland is necessary, as seen in most thyroid cancers, a total thyroidectomy is performed. This procedure ensures the removal of the entire thyroid while preserving parathyroid glands and vital nerves responsible for voice. It’s essential for this surgery to be conducted by experienced surgeons to minimize potential risks. Time taken for this surgery varies from case to case and complexity. This can be performed using robotic surgery or scarless endoscopic thyroidectomy in a effective and precise manor.

For  some of the thyroid conditions removing half of the thyroid gland through a hemithyroidectomy is an adequate option. Hemithyroidectomy is performed in papillary thyroid cancers smaller than 1 cm in size. Otherwise this surgery is restricted to benign small tumors and toxic thyroid nodules. The procedure is designed to spare important structures like parathyroid glands and crucial nerves on at least on one side. It is advisable to opt for total thyroidectomy in most of the situations to avoid future problems. This procedure can be performed using robotic surgery (RABIT) or scarless endoscopic thyroidectomy.

Reserved for advanced/aggressive thyroid cancers that have grown into adjacent structures, this uncommon surgical procedure demands the expertise of highly experienced thyroid surgeons. It involves intricate removal of cancerous growths in structures like nerves, the trachea, oesophagus, or blood vessels. May sometimes involve removing port of windpipe and rejoining.

Thyroid cancer operations may also include the removal of lymph nodes around the thyroid or in the neck. This is a crucial step in addressing the spread of cancer. Central compartment lymph node dissection can be performed robotically using the RABIT technique along with total thyroidectomy.

This procedure is employed for thyroid cancers that have spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. It meticulously removes cancerous growths while sparing uninvolved structures preserving the important blood vessels and nerves in the neck. The versatility of RABIT technique is that we can perform the entire lymph node dissection using the same wounds in a every effective and precise manor.

In cases where the initial surgery did not fully address thyroid cancer or when the cancer has come back (recurrence), re-operations become necessary. Expert evaluation before surgery is crucial, and choosing an experienced thyroid surgeon is key to avoiding incomplete procedures. Completion thyroidectomy is required when hemithyroidectomy is performed and the final report suggests cancer. Recurrent or persistent thyroid cancer surgeries should only be performed by highly experienced surgeons.

By understanding the nuances of different thyroid surgeries and making informed choices, patients can ensure they receive the most effective and comprehensive treatment for their condition.

Iodine is an essential element that plays a crucial role in the functioning of the thyroid gland. It naturally gets concentrated in the thyroid, allowing us to utilize this unique characteristic to effectively treat various thyroid conditions, including hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer.

Cancers of thyroid gland can be effectively managed with radioiodine therapy following a total thyroidectomy.  Thyroid cancers don’t require radiation or chemotherapy.  This specialized treatment approach has proven to be highly effective, particularly for cancers larger than 1 cm in size. By utilizing radioiodine therapy, we can precisely target and eliminate cancerous cells, leading to improved outcomes and a higher quality of life for patients.

• Thyroid Cancer Videos: Videos of Dr Sandeep Nayak & team on various conditions of thyroid.
• Diseases of thyroid gland- an overview – An introduction to thyroid diseases.

Each year, our center welcomes many patients from all corners of the globe. With our extensive experience, we have streamlined the process to make it effortless for you to visit Bangalore for your evaluation, scans, biopsies, and surgery all in one trip. For your convenience, a significant portion of the follow-up can be conducted through online consultations. Additionally, we are committed to assisting you with postoperative treatment in your home country or city, eliminating the need for you to return to Bangalore, India.