SantiagoHEMA
Specialized Hospital for Advanced Medicine: labs, cardiology and the procedure in the same building, fifteen minutes from the airport. The most practical choice if you fly in.
Surgical oncology
This area covers the mouth, the throat, the larynx, the salivary glands, the nose and the sinuses. And the neck as well: most lumps that appear there come from the thyroid or a lymph node, and are almost never cancer; the first step is to determine where it comes from.
What it is
These are the most frequent cases.
Head and neck tumors are a varied group with shared causes: tobacco and alcohol first, and in the throat the human papillomavirus. They are about 4 % of adult cancers. They can be benign or malignant, and in this region surgery has to protect the voice, swallowing and the face.
- A lump in the neckThe most frequent. Usually a thyroid nodule or a swollen lymph node. It is studied with ultrasound and, if needed, biopsy.
- OropharynxBase of the tongue, tonsils and soft palate. Human papillomavirus is the fastest-growing cause.
- LarynxThe vocal cords. Hoarseness that does not go away in three weeks is a reason to be seen, especially in smokers.
- Salivary glandsParotid and submandibular. Most of their tumors are benign, but they are removed because they grow.
- Oral cavity and noseLips, tongue, gums and sinuses. A sore that does not heal in two weeks should be evaluated.
If it is the thyroid
If the lump is in the thyroid, it has its own pages.
Signs and diagnosis
What is studied, and how the diagnosis is reached.
Signs that are studied
- A lump in the neck that does not go down in two or three weeks
- A sore in the mouth or throat that does not heal
- Persistent hoarseness or voice change
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Frequent nosebleeds or one-sided congestion
How it is diagnosed
- Examination of the neck, mouth and throat
- Neck ultrasound: tells thyroid, lymph node and salivary gland apart
- Endoscopy of the throat and larynx when the problem is inside
- Image-guided needle biopsy, and CT or MRI to see the extent
What the surgical oncologist does
What the surgical oncologist does, and what happens afterwards.
- 01If it is the thyroidThe most common case, with its own pages: a benign nodule that can be treated without surgery, goiter, or thyroid cancer, which is operated on while preserving everything that can be preserved.
- 02If it has another originSurgery is planned with medical and radiation oncology. The goal is to remove the whole tumor and preserve function: voice, swallowing and the face.
- 03Follow-upRegular check-ups, voice or swallowing rehabilitation when needed, and giving up tobacco, which is what most affects the prognosis.
On video
What makes a surgery safe.
Dr. Jacobo shows at HEMA the equipment that protects the delicate structures of the neck: the nerve monitor for the voice nerves, magnifying loupes and vessel sealing. In Spanish.
Google reviews
5.046 reviewsSee on GooglePatient reviews.
Thyroid and cancer surgery patients, and patients from abroad, tell how their experience with the doctor was.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to the doctor for being my guide and support during one of the most difficult times of my life: my thyroid cancer treatment. From…
Yaskira PerezMay 2026Dr. Jacobo is highly professional, skilled, and incredibly kind. He takes the time to explain every step and every procedure, ensuring his patients have no unanswered…
Rosemil OvalleFebruary 2025Dr. Jacobo is an excellent professional with world-class attention to detail. When treating a close relative with thyroid surgery, at a leading center in the field, he…
Anthony TejadaJanuary 2025Wonderful doctor. I had no idea I'd been suffering from thyroid problems for some time, and you gave me an accurate diagnosis that changed my life. Thank you so much…
Ana AguileraJanuary 2025I had a total thyroidectomy performed by Dr. Jacobo. It was a difficult surgery, but I came out of the operating room feeling excellent. Dr. Jacobo loves what he does…
Sheila Sabrina Calderon cuelloJune 2025I am incredibly grateful for the care I received from Dr. Jacobo. I initially found him through a Google search while looking for alternative treatment options for my…
Kate LockhartMarch 2026My husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. Amidst our worry, we chose Dr. Jacobo because I was struck by his genuine and selfless interest in my husband's diagnosis. He…
Nidia AcostaSeptember 2025Dr. Joan is a physician with outstanding professional training and a true calling: compassionate, approachable, and always attentive, not only to his patients but also to…
Andi AlmanzarSeptember 2025I recently underwent surgery by Dr. Joan Jacobo, and there's nothing better than the safety and peace of mind for a patient and family, ensuring their health is in the…
Omar Encarnación UlloaSeptember 2025An excellent doctor, my dear Dr. Jacobo. After seeing many doctors without a clear answer about what was wrong with me, I finally found Dr. Jacobo. With great care and…
Alexandra Fontana ReynosoJanuary 2025I want to express my sincere gratitude to the doctor for his excellent work and dedication. From the very first moment, he instilled confidence, security, and a human…
Josmeiry PaulinoMarch 2026Dr. Joan Jacobo studied and performed a brain scan for my mother, and the experience was much more bearable thanks to his wonderful professional and, above all, humane…
Anibelka MenaApril 2024I want to highlight Dr. Joan's excellent service, experience, and dedication to his patients. Personally, I want to emphasize that few doctors dedicate the time, care…
Massiel LizardoJuly 2025Dr. Jacobo is a specialist who inspires great confidence and security. He knows how to soothe the anxiety that comes with having to see him! He's a doctor at the…
Jenny Guzman De GonzalezApril 2024Dr. Joan Javier Jacobo is an excellent oncology professional. He is highly qualified and recommended by other oncologists in the country. I wholeheartedly recommend him.…
Angelica MejiaAugust 2024Dr. Joan Javier Jacobo is an excellent professional and physician with a genuine and compassionate nature that is highly effective for his patients. I, his patient for…
Mariela Jiminian CamiloApril 2024An excellent doctor, dedicated to his patients, providing exceptional care with love and dedication. You are a doctor who inspires confidence; all patients should have an…
Jisselle PaulinoFebruary 2025An excellent professional, ethical, committed, and approachable. A doctor who, in addition to being highly qualified, provides his patients with peace of mind…
Mercedes RosarioJune 2025My dear Dr. Jacobo, for me you are an excellent doctor, kind, gentle, and a great professional. I had kidney surgery performed by him and I feel very well. I bless you…
Margaret CastrillonJanuary 2025Dr. Joan took the time to listen attentively, answer all my questions, and explain everything clearly and calmly. I felt heard, well cared for, and in good hands…
Lizvanessa JavierApril 2026
Frequently asked questions
The most frequent questions about this surgery.
Almost never. Most are benign thyroid nodules or lymph nodes reacting to an infection. But it must be studied: an ultrasound provides a great deal of information in a few minutes.
It depends on the location. The thyroid and the neck lymph nodes are managed by the surgical oncologist; lesions inside the throat are often managed together with the ENT.
If it is a benign thyroid nodule that causes symptoms, yes: with radiofrequency ablation. If it is a malignant tumor of the throat, treatment combines surgery, radiotherapy and sometimes chemotherapy.
Before surgery
Before surgery, you can request a second opinion.
If you send us your studies, Dr. Jacobo reviews them and explains whether there is another option, or whether the first opinion was the right one.
If you send us your studies before traveling, we can tell you whether the trip makes sense in your case.
Other areas
The other areas he treats.
- Breast cancerBreast cancer: evaluation, surgery and follow-up.It is the most common cancer in women and the one most often cured when detected early.
- Chest tumorsChest and chest wall tumors.This area covers the lung, the esophagus, the mediastinum and the chest wall: the ribs, the sternum and the tissues that cover them.
- Sarcomas and soft tissueSarcomas and skin and soft-tissue tumors.This area covers lumps under the skin — in the thigh, the arm or the abdomen — moles that change and wounds that do not heal.
- Gastrointestinal oncologyColon, stomach and other digestive cancers.This area covers the esophagus, the stomach, the liver and bile ducts, the pancreas, the colon and the rectum.
Locations
Choose the center closest to you.
Santo DomingoClínica Abreu
In Gazcue, in the center of the capital, about 35 minutes from the airport. The clinic's first radiofrequency ablation session took place here.
San Francisco de MacorísCentro Médico Siglo 21
Office in suite 106, for patients in the northeast who prefer not to travel to Santiago.
You are welcome to bring the studies you already have.
Imaging, biopsies, labs and another doctor's recommendation, if there is one. Most often you leave the visit with a plan, or with the steps to reach one. In person in Santiago or Santo Domingo, or virtual from wherever you are.