You were told you need surgery and want to know whether it is the only option. If you send us your studies, Dr. Jacobo reviews them: sometimes there is another way and sometimes the first opinion was right. Either way, we explain why.
When it makes sense to ask for one.
- You were offered surgery for a benign nodule.If the biopsy is benign and the nodule bothers or shows, there may be an option that keeps the gland. It is the most frequent case.
- The biopsy came back indeterminate.Bethesda III or IV. Neither cancer nor benign with certainty; there is more than one path and it is worth choosing it calmly.
- You were told to remove the whole thyroid.In many cases half the thyroid is enough, and that changes a good deal of what comes afterwards.
- You were offered surgery for a tumor of the breast, neck, chest, skin or digestive tract.A surgical oncologist reviews whether the proposed surgery is the right one, with what margin and what comes next.
- You were given little explanation and left with doubts.Sometimes a patient leaves the visit with more questions than answers. A second opinion is, above all, an explanation.
- 1 in 4needs hormone after removal of half the thyroid; after removal of all of it, everyone.Cooper D et al., Thyroid Research 2024 (66 studies): levothyroxine in 23 % after hemithyroidectomy.
How to request one.
- 01You send us your studiesThe ultrasound, the biopsy, the labs and, if there is one, the surgery indication. On WhatsApp or through the form.
- 02Visit, in person or virtualAt any of the three locations, or by video call from wherever you are.
- 03A plan in writingWhat you have, which options correspond to your case and which one he recommends and why. Including not intervening, when that is the most appropriate.
What to send so the doctor can review it.
The most recent ultrasound or imaging study, no older than three months if it is of the thyroid.
The biopsy, if you already had one. Ideal, not mandatory.
Labs: for thyroid, TSH, T3 and free T4.
The surgery indication you were given, if you have it in writing.
A second opinion is not about changing doctors. If the surgery you were offered is the right one, Dr. Jacobo will tell you and explain why. What changes is that you decide understanding it.
There are three paths, and all three are worth knowing.
- Watch and waitMonitoring is also a medical decision.If the nodule is small, benign and gives no symptoms.
- SurgeryWhen there is suspicion or confirmation of cancer.It remains the right option for many patients.
- Radiofrequency ablationShrinking the nodule from the inside, while keeping the gland.It is indicated for some nodules and not for every one, and that is known beforehand.
Patient 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
What people ask about the second opinion.
Usually not. A recent ultrasound and the biopsy report are enough to give an opinion. If something is missing or the ultrasound is not recent, you are told beforehand.
Only if you want. Often the second opinion is shared with the first doctor and the decision is made among the three; it is what tends to work best.
The same as a visit. In person, depending on the center; virtual, US$ 90. The preliminary review of your studies has no cost.
Yes. Dr. Jacobo is a surgical oncologist: he reviews surgeries of the breast, head and neck, chest, soft tissue and digestive tract, and tells you whether the proposal is the right one.
If you wish, we can review your studies before anything is decided.
In-person visit at three centers or virtual from wherever you are. Before booking, you can send us your studies on WhatsApp; the preliminary review has no cost.