The Features Of Thyroid Cancer Surgery

By Author: Hamilton Hill
Total Articles: 21

Among the different kinds of cancer surgery that are conducted, the thyroid cancer surgery is one such criterion. Even in this category, the stage of the cancer as well as the location of the tumor varies which determines how the procedure is to be conducted. In many cases, total thyroidectomy is conducted which entails complete removal of the thyroid gland. If a near total procedure is done by a head and neck cancer surgeon in Pretoria, it would involve removal of most parts of the thyroid gland while a portion of the gland is kept intact. There are partial procedures like thyroid lobectomy where a single lobe of the gland is removed. Every individual situation is unique. Hence, before the procedure is done, usually one would have to consult a head and neck cancer surgeon in Pretoria as suggested by their oncologist.
As per the kind of cancer that one is afflicted with, the surgery procedure is decided upon. If the cancer is an aggressive one, the malignant cells are usually found in both lobes of the gland. Hence, the surgical procedure is decided accordingly so that the body can be rid of cancer and the rest of the treatment can be conducted in an effective manner.

Usually one’s oncologist will refer to a cancer surgeon in Pretoria. As per the condition of the patient or the cancer type, the cancer surgeon in Pretoria will then decide on the kind of procedure to be conducted. The surgical procedure might be a major or a minor one, depending upon the extent to which the thyroid gland components need to be operated and removed from the system. Though thyroid lobectomy is conducted in many instances, there are higher risks that the remaining lobe and other parts get infected again. Hence, the future risks of infection also need to be considered at the time of deciding on the right procedure for a patient.

The surgical procedures for thyroid cancer are largely similar. The operation can be performed at an outpatient facility. However, one might be required to stay at the hospital for one or two days. The patient is given general anesthesia and the entire procedure spans several hours. The procedure is done by making a small incision in the neck area. Muscles and skin are retracted in order to get the thyroid gland exposed. The blood supply is tied off for the period of the procedure. The gland is then moved away from the trachea. The gland or portion of the gland is removed. The surrounding tissues are then repaired and the incision closed end the procedure. Usually the procedure is free from the negative effects. One needs to undergo careful evaluation and monitoring by their physician after the procedure.

As the procedures are well established, one does not need to fear the uncertainty of the same. It is best that the surgery is performed as early as possible so that the follow up procedures can be started off as soon as possible to arrest the spread of the disease.

Hamilton Hill writes quality articles about head and neck cancer surgeon in Pretoria as well as head and neck cancer surgeons in Pretoria.