Surgical Management of Difficult Cases with Thyroid Cancer / 대한갑상선학회지

ABSTRACT

Although the surgery of the thyroid gland is regarded relatively simple and easy, the operation of thyroid cancer is difficult when cancer invades regional structures including larynx, trachea, esophagus, or in case the tumor is very large, and in cases with recurred tumor or extensive lymph node metastasis. Thyroid surgery for professional voice users is also difficult due to frequent voice change after operation. The clinician must consider patient characteristics - age, family history, radiation exposure - as well as tumor characteristics - tumor size, multifocality, lymph node metastases, extrathyroidal extension, histology - to fashion a suitable treatment plan and decide the extent of surgery for difficult thyroid surgery. Practical tips are discussed on performing difficult cases of thyroid surgery. Our experience on thyroid cancer with laryngotracheal invasion is also introduced in this paper.