Thyroid cancer

There are several different types of thyroid cancer, the most common is papillary thyroid cancer, which usually grows in one lobe of the thyroid gland (about 70-80% of all cases). Follicular thyroid cancer accounts for about 20% of thyroid cancers. Less common thyroid cancers include medullary thyroid cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer and thyroid sarcoma or lymphoma.

However, the long term outcome after treatment for thyroid cancer is excellent.

Thyroid surgery

The most common form of treatment for thyroid cancer is surgery where either the whole thyroid gland (total thyroidectomy) or half the thyroid gland (hemithyroidectomy) is removed.

The operation is performed through a skin crease incision in the neck which allows it to be well hidden. Given its location, the thyroid gland is surrounded by a number of important structures, including the recurrent laryngeal nerve. It is important to preserve these structures during the operation to ensure a good outcome. Our surgeons routinely use a nerve monitor to help identify and preserve the nerve.