Scarless Neck Surgery for Thyroid Cancer

Understanding Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer care

Thyroid cancer is often slow-growing and highly treatable, especially when detected early. It occurs more commonly in women and the elderly, but when it occurs in men, it can be more aggressive and diagnosed at advanced stages.

Most cases are screen-detected and many are cured with surgery alone.

Be Alert to These Symptoms

Don’t ignore these warning signs:

  • A swelling in the thyroid (front of neck) or side of the neck
  • Persistent voice changes (hoarseness)
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Breathing issues (in late stages)
  • Painful, rapidly enlarging neck mass

How I Evaluate Suspected Thyroid Issues

When you visit me for symptoms or a routine check-up, I begin with a clinical neck examination, followed by:

  • Thyroid Function Test – primarily serum TSH
  • Ultrasound of the Thyroid and Neck
  • If a suspicious nodule is seen – an ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) to assess for cancer

If cancer is confirmed, further evaluation includes:

  • CT scan of the neck and chest – to assess extent of spread in advanced cases

Treatment: Surgery is the Mainstay

Thyroid cancers are generally resistant to chemotherapy or radiotherapy, so surgery is the cornerstone of treatment.

Surgical options vary based on cancer type and spread:

Early Thyroid Cancer

Early Thyroid Cancer

Total thyroidectomy (removal of the whole thyroid gland)

May include removal of nearby lymph nodes if involved

Surgical Approaches

Surgical Approaches

1. Traditional Open Surgery

Standard approach with a fine neck incision

Safe and effective, leaves a thin, cosmetic scar

2. Scarless Minimally Invasive Thyroidectomy

Done via endoscopy or robotic assistance

Accessed through small incisions in the chest or armpit

Ideal for selected patients with cosmetic concerns

Advanced Thyroid Cancers

Benefits:

No neck scar

Greater precision

Less blood loss

Quicker recovery

Advanced Thyroid Cancers

Complex surgery using open approach

May require removal of thyroid gland, neck lymph nodes, and portions of trachea.

Followed by reconstructive procedures for functional restoration

Adjuvant & Advanced Therapies

Radioactive Iodine Therapy

Radioactive Iodine Therapy

Not needed for all thyroid cancers Recommended if cancer has spread to lymph nodes or beyond Destroys remaining thyroid cells after surgery
Targeted Therapies

Targeted Therapies

For advanced or resistant thyroid cancers, we may use:

Sunitinib Sorafenib

Especially useful for medullary thyroid cancer or radioiodine-refractory cancers

Post-Treatment & Follow-Up Care

Post-Treatment & Follow-Up Care

Regular follow-up every 3 months to monitor recovery and recurrence Lifelong thyroid hormone replacement is essential (dose tailored individually) Some patients may need calcium supplements post-surgery

💬 Concerned About a Thyroid Nodule or Diagnosis?

Timely detection and expert care can make all the difference. Whether you need a second opinion, advanced surgery, or reassurance—I'm here to help.

Meet Dr. Pradeep

Surgical Oncologist & Thyroid Cancer Expert

Specialist in Endoscopic & Robotic Thyroid Surgery

Trusted for Complex & Advanced Thyroid Cancers

Book your consultation today and take control of your thyroid health.
Dr. Pradeep Dhanasekaran