Thyroid Cancer Treatment in Thailand
About Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer surgery is a specialized procedure performed by a surgical oncologist to remove cancerous thyroid tissue. The thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck, produces hormones regulating metabolism. The primary surgical options include a lobectomy (removing one lobe) or a total thyroidectomy (removing the entire gland), often accompanied by removal of nearby lymph nodes if cancer has spread. This procedure is crucial for eliminating the tumor, preventing its spread, and allowing for accurate staging. It is typically recommended after a biopsy confirms malignancy. Modern techniques prioritize preserving surrounding structures like the parathyroid glands and vocal cord nerves to minimize complications. Following surgery, patients may require lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy and regular monitoring.
Key Highlights
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Curative treatment aimed at complete removal of cancerous tissue.Performed by specialized surgical oncologists with expertise in head and neck cancers.Helps determine the exact stage and type of cancer for guiding further treatment.Can prevent the spread (metastasis) of cancer to other parts of the body.Modern surgical techniques minimize scarring and preserve critical neck structures.Often allows for targeted radioactive iodine therapy post-surgery if needed./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed diagnosis of thyroid cancer via fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy.
- Presence of a thyroid nodule that is large, growing, or has suspicious features on ultrasound.
- Cancer that has spread to lymph nodes in the neck (regional metastasis).
- High-risk types of thyroid cancer like medullary or anaplastic carcinoma.
- Patients with a family history of thyroid cancer or genetic syndromes (e.g., MEN2).
- Compressive symptoms like difficulty swallowing, breathing, or voice changes due to the tumor.
How to prepare
- Complete medical evaluation including blood tests, thyroid function tests, and imaging (ultrasound, CT scan).
- Discussion of surgical plan, type of anesthesia, and potential risks with the surgical team.
- Informed consent process detailing the procedure and alternatives.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before surgery as instructed.
- Adjustment or temporary stoppage of certain medications like blood thinners, as advised by the doctor.
- Pre-operative vocal cord examination (laryngoscopy) to assess nerve function.
- Arranging for help and time off work for the recovery period.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding or formation of a hematoma in the neck, which may require drainage.
- Infection at the surgical incision site.
- Injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerves, potentially causing hoarseness or voice changes.
- Damage to the parathyroid glands, leading to temporary or permanent low calcium levels (hypoparathyroidism).
- Scarring at the incision line on the neck.
- Persistent pain or stiffness in the neck.
- Need for lifelong thyroid hormone replacement medication after total thyroidectomy.
- Rare risks include injury to nearby structures like the trachea or esophagus.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay typically lasts 1-3 days for monitoring of breathing, bleeding, and calcium levels.
- Pain at the incision site is managed with prescribed medications.
- Incision care involves keeping the area clean and dry; stitches or staples are removed in 7-10 days.
- A soft diet may be recommended initially if swallowing is uncomfortable.
- Voice rest and avoiding strenuous activity, heavy lifting for 2-3 weeks is advised.
- Follow-up blood tests to check thyroid hormone and calcium levels, with adjustment of medications as needed.
- Long-term follow-up includes periodic neck ultrasounds and thyroglobulin blood tests to monitor for recurrence.
- Initiation of thyroid hormone replacement therapy (levothyroxine) immediately after a total thyroidectomy.
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Typical hospital stay:
1-3 days
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Expected recovery time:
2-3 weeks for initial recovery; 4-6 weeks for full return to normal activities
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering thyroid cancer in Thailand, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Thailand with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform thyroid cancer. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for thyroid cancer compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | USD 2,835 – USD 7,560 | 1-3 days | ~ 2-3 weeks for initial recovery; 4-6 weeks for full return to normal activities | Know More |
| Thailand | USD 2,880 – USD 8,960 | 1-3 days | ~ 2-3 weeks for initial recovery; 4-6 weeks for full return to normal activities | Know More |
| South Korea | USD 2,880 – USD 8,960 | 1-3 days | ~ 2-3 weeks for initial recovery; 4-6 weeks for full return to normal activities | Know More |
| India | USD 1,637 – USD 4,364 | 1-3 days | ~ 2-3 weeks for initial recovery; 4-6 weeks for full return to normal activities | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 12,093 – USD 32,247 | 1-3 days | ~ 2-3 weeks for initial recovery; 4-6 weeks for full return to normal activities | Know More |
PATIENT REVIEW
As a young professional with a...
As a young professional with a hectic schedule, Dr. Acharya’s team accommodated my follow-ups efficiently without ever making me feel rushed. His balance of expertise and empathy is rare in surgical fields.