Robotic Thyroidectomy: Enhancing Functionality & Aesthetics With Modern Tech
One of the largest groups of cancers is Head and Neck cancers, which account for over 40 per cent of all cancers globally. Head and neck cancer accounts for 30 per cents of cancers in India. Oral cancer is identified as the most common cancer in India. One of the most prevalent cancers in this group is thyroid cancer.
The cancer develops in the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck and produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolism. The primary treatment option for thyroid cancer is thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid gland – complete or partial).
The traditional surgical procedure requires larger incisions and it will leave the patient with bigger scars in and around the neck. However, advanced technologies like robotic-assisted surgery offer several aesthetic and functional benefits that can improve patient outcomes, both cosmetic and functional.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
The symptoms of thyroid cancer can vary depending on the stage and location of the tumour. However, common symptoms include a lump or swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness and persistent coughing. Risk factors for thyroid cancer include exposure to radiation, a family history of thyroid cancer, and specific genetic syndromes.
In stage I, the tumour is contained within the thyroid gland and has not spread to other parts of the body. Often, there are no symptoms at this stage, and the cancer is usually found incidentally during a routine physical exam or imaging test.
However, in stage II, the tumour has grown larger, and the cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes. Symptoms at this stage may include a lump or nodule in the neck, difficulty swallowing, or hoarseness.
In stage III, the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other tissues near the thyroid gland. Symptoms at this stage may include a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or pain in the neck or throat. When it comes to stage IV, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, bones, or liver.
Symptoms at this stage may include fatigue, weight loss, and bone pain. Not all patients with thyroid cancer will experience these symptoms, and some may be caused by conditions other than cancer. Additionally, some patients may not have any symptoms at all.
Treatment Options
In some cases, radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used to treat thyroid cancer. However, surgery is the primary treatment option for thyroid cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue while preserving as much of the healthy thyroid tissue as possible and the function of the thyroid gland and nearby structures such as the parathyroid glands and nerves.
Depending on the size and location of the tumour, the surgeon may remove just the cancerous tissue or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy). In some cases, lymph nodes in the neck may also be removed. One of the recommended surgeries for thyroid is robotic-assisted thyroidectomy.
Robotic-assisted Surgery in Treating Thyroid Cancer
Robotic thyroidectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses advanced robotic-assisted surgery systems like da Vinci to remove the thyroid gland through small incisions in the neck. There are several aesthetic and functional benefits to this approach.
Robotic thyroidectomy involves making small incisions over the chest, which results in minimal scarring compared to traditional open surgery. The scars are usually hidden in natural skin creases, which makes them less noticeable. This can lead to increased self-confidence and improved quality of life for the patients.
The robotic arms are equipped with cameras and surgical instruments that allow the surgeon to remove the cancerous tissues with greater precision. It also helps to preserve the parathyroid glands and the voice.
In short, with modern technology, it is possible to treat thyroid cancer with a lot of functional and aesthetic benefits. However, it is important to have timely screening and early detection to treat it most effectively.
