Thyroid and Parathyroid Cancer
Thyroid and Parathyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer. It is classified into four main types based on its morphology and biological behavior: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic.
Parathyroid cancer is extremely rare. Almost all parathyroid problems are caused by one or more of the parathyroid glands producing too much parathyroid hormone (PTH).
Types of Thyroid and Parathyroid Cancer
Types of Thyroid and Parathyroid Cancer
It is the most common
type of thyroid cancer.
It is the most
common type
of thyroid cancer.
Surgery as a treatment for cancer
- Thyroid cancer surgery is the most effective known treatment for thyroid and parathyroid cancers.
- This surgery lasts between 2 and 3 hours, resulting in a nearly invisible scar and curing the cancer.
- Thyroid surgery is recommended for patients with a variety of thyroid conditions, including:
- Cancerous and benign (non-cancerous) thyroid nodules,
- Enlarged thyroid glands (goiters), and
- Overactive glands.
Surgery as a treatment for cancer
- Thyroid cancer surgery is the most effective known treatment for thyroid and parathyroid cancers.
- This surgery lasts between 2 and 3 hours, resulting in a nearly invisible scar and curing the cancer.
Thyroid surgery is recommended for patients with a variety of thyroid conditions, including:
- Cancerous and benign (non-cancerous) thyroid nodules,
- Enlarged thyroid glands (goiters), and
- Overactive glands.
There are several types of thyroid surgeries that a surgeon can perform, including:
Hemithyroidectomy
Remove half of the thyroid gland.
Subtotal and near-total thyroidectomy
Remove almost the entire thyroid gland.
Total thyroidectomy
Remove the entire thyroid gland.
Dr. Adolfo will be with you at all times
Dr. Adolfo will be with you at all times
Before the surgery
Initial Consultation
When you attend your first consultation with Dr. Montemayor, your medical history will be reviewed, a physical exam will be conducted, and the need for surgery will be evaluated.
Consent
Dr. Adolfo will inform you about the risks and benefits of the surgery, and if you decide to proceed, you will be asked to sign a consent form.
Pre-operative Evaluation
Every patient considering thyroid surgery needs to undergo some pre-operative tests, such as:
- Blood and urine tests
- Electrocardiogram
- Cardiopulmonary (heart) evaluation
- CT scan
An electrocardiogram and a chest X-ray are recommended for patients over 45 years old or those with symptoms of heart disease.
Any patient who has had a change in their voice or has previously undergone neck surgery should have a pre-operative vocal cord evaluation.
Other Considerations
Consult with your insurance provider about coverage details before the surgery.
Consider having a family member or friend accompany you on the day of the surgery.
Arrange for care during the recovery phase, including transportation home from the hospital.
During the surgery
The Day of the Surgery
- We will inform you of how many hours in advance you should arrive at the office.
- Dr. Montemayor will review some details of the procedure with you.
- We will direct you to the waiting room for your family members and companions.
- After the procedure, Dr. Adolfo will inform your family members and companions about the results.
Procedure
- Initially, general anesthesia will be administered.
- Dr. Adolfo will make an incision at the base of your neck (7 to 10 cm) and, using magnifying lenses, will locate the thyroid gland to perform its total or partial removal.
- Subsequently, Dr. Adolfo will close the incision with sutures and cover it with sterilization tapes.
- This procedure generally lasts two to three hours.
- After the surgery, you will remain in the recovery room.
After the surgery
Recovery
- Most patients can leave the hospital the morning after surgery.
- You are likely to feel tired and experience some pain for a few days, for which pain relievers will be prescribed.
- You may have a sore throat and slight swelling in your neck. This will improve after a few days, but it may persist for up to a week.
- If you notice sudden swelling in your neck, contact Dr. Adolfo.
Recovery at Home
- Most people take 1 to 2 weeks to recover from the surgery.
- You should not drive for at least one week.
- Do not smoke during recovery.
- Consult with Dr. Adolfo about physical activity you can do after surgery, as well as proper nutrition.
Points of interest
- The Website of the American Thyroid Association® (www.thyroid.org)
- The American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org/)
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Surgery (columbiasurgery.org/thyroid/thyroid-cancer-types)
- Tec salud (www.tecsalud.mx/)
- Hospital Zambrano Hellion (www.cmzh.com.mx/)
Accepted insurances
Insurance Providers Accepted
“Choosing the best surgeon is key to reducing the risks of surgery.”
“Elegir al mejor cirujano es clave para disminuir los riesgos de la cirugía“