Surgery for thyroid cancers

Surgery is the first-line treatment for most thyroid cancers, whose prognosis is generally favourable. It consists of removing one lobe of the gland or the whole gland, sometimes together with the neighbouring lymph nodes, depending on the nature and extent of the lesion. The operation is performed through a discreet incision at the base of the neck. Two structures receive constant attention: the recurrent laryngeal nerves, which control the vocal cords, and the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium. Identifying and preserving them is at the heart of the surgical technique. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, thyroid surgery is performed by experienced surgeons, working with the endocrinologists for the work-up and follow-up. Pathological analysis of the surgical specimen is carried out, including frozen-section examination during the procedure if necessary, and simple hormone replacement therapy is put in place when the gland is removed entirely.