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Stanford Health Care

Thyroid Surgery

Our Approach to Thyroid Surgery

Stanford’s Endocrine Cancer (Tumor) Program offers highly specialized surgical expertise for newly diagnosed or recurrent (returned) thyroid cancer. Thyroid surgery is typically the first treatment for thyroid cancer. We also perform surgery for some benign (noncancerous) thyroid problems such as thyroid nodules and hyperthyroidism.

Because the thyroid is in a delicate area of the neck, experience is particularly important for this surgery. Our team performs a large number of thyroid surgeries, which gives us the expertise to provide better outcomes for you. Our team also has expertise in related surgery, including lymph node dissection, for cancer that has spread.

What We Offer You for Thyroid Surgery

  • High-volume surgical experience, with surgeons who perform many thyroidectomies and lymph node dissections.
  • Specialized expertise in reoperations and surgery for thyroid cancer that involves the trachea, esophagus, larynx, or large blood vessels.
  • Trusted center where many doctors refer their patients who need complex operations for more advanced thyroid cancer or recurrent cancer.
  • Collaborative approach, with advice and care from a team that specializes in treating thyroid cancer and other endocrine tumors.
  • Advanced imaging for precise treatment planning, including ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy and use of ultrasound for surgical planning.
  • Extensive support services to help you maintain your quality of life after surgery, including voice and swallowing therapy and speech-language pathology.

 

What is Thyroid Surgery?

About Thyroid Surgery

Surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer. In some cases, thyroid surgery can provide a cure for thyroid cancer by removing the tumor and surrounding tissue. Other cases need additional treatment such as radioactive iodine to eliminate cancer cells elsewhere in the body.

During thyroid surgery, your doctor makes an incision a few inches long in the lower part of your neck, where the thyroid gland is located. Afterward, most people stay in the hospital for one day or less. The surgery does leave a scar, but your surgeon will work to minimize its visibility as much as possible.

The type of surgery used to remove the tumor depends on the tumor’s size and location. Your surgeon may also remove nearby tissue including some of the lymph nodes to make sure all the cancer is removed.

Our Clinics

Endocrine Tumor Program

At Stanford, you’ll find expertise in all types of surgery for thyroid cancer, including recurrent cancer or cancer that has spread. Our surgeons specialize in endocrine and thyroid tumors and have extensive experience with the most complex cases.

Endocrine Tumor Program
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To schedule an appointment, please call: 650-498-6000