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.
Thyroid cancer
It is the minority of nodules, and within that minority, most are cancers with a good prognosis that are treated with surgery. We explain how the treatment is organized and what changes afterwards.
The types
The types, and why the type changes the treatment.
The biopsy gives the diagnosis; the type decides the surgery and what comes next.
- PapillaryThe most frequent, around 85 %.It grows slowly and responds well to surgery. In localized cases, ten-year survival exceeds 95 % in published series.
- FollicularThe second in frequency.Similar in prognosis to papillary. Often the biopsy cannot tell it from a benign nodule, and surgery is needed to know.
- MedullaryUncommon.It arises from other cells of the gland. It is studied with calcitonin and, sometimes, with family genetic tests.
- AnaplasticRare and aggressive.It is treated by a team of several specialists. It is mentioned because it exists, not because it is likely.
Frequencies and prognoses from the American Thyroid Association guidelines (2015) and published series. Yours depends on the type, the size and whether there are lymph nodes: it is assessed with your report, at the consultation.
The surgery
The surgery: half the thyroid is removed, or all of it.
- LobectomyThe lobe with the tumor is removed.It is indicated in small cancers without nodes. About one in four people needs hormone afterwards; the rest do not.
- Total thyroidectomyThe whole gland is removed.It is indicated in larger tumors, in both lobes or with nodes. Afterwards thyroid hormone is taken every day: an anatomical consequence, not a failure.
- Neck dissectionWhen lymph nodes are involved they are removed in the same operation.A surgical oncologist plans it beforehand, with the neck ultrasound.
The incision goes in a neck crease. A fine scar remains that fades over the months.
On video
What makes thyroid 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.
Afterwards
What happens afterwards.
- 01The usual hospital stay after a thyroidectomy.Sometimes you are discharged the same day. Discomfort when swallowing and a hoarse voice for a few days are normal and clear within a short time.
- 02Most people are back to their routine within that time.The exact indication, rest, exercise, work, is given by Dr. Jacobo according to your case.
- 03Thyroid hormone is taken when needed, and radioactive iodine only in the cases that require it.It is completed with thyroglobulin and ultrasound checks over several years, with a schedule that spaces out over time.
Indicative timelines: each patient's indication is Dr. Jacobo's at the visit.
Why
Why a surgical oncologist performs this surgery.
Because thyroid cancer is a neck surgery, where the voice nerve and the parathyroids pass, and an oncological decision: how much to remove, whether to clear lymph nodes and what comes next. A surgical oncologist brings the two together.
Trained in surgical oncology in Mexico and in thyroid in Seoul, he performs both surgery and ablation: you do not change doctors depending on the diagnosis.
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
After the diagnosis
What people ask after the diagnosis.
One night in hospital is usual, and one or two weeks until back to routine. Discomfort when swallowing and a hoarse voice for a few days are normal. Dr. Jacobo gives you the exact indication.
If the whole gland is removed, yes, every day. If half the thyroid is removed, about one in four people needs it. It is monitored with labs and the dose is adjusted.
A fine line in a neck crease, a few centimeters long, that fades over the months.
Only in some cases, depending on the type, the size and the lymph nodes. It is decided after surgery, with the pathology report.
Yes, and it is reasonable. If you send your biopsy and your ultrasound, Dr. Jacobo reviews them and explains which surgery is appropriate in your case and which would not be needed.
Next step
Before deciding on surgery, this can help.
- Before surgeryA second look before surgery.If you send your studies, Dr. Jacobo reviews them: sometimes there is another way, sometimes the first opinion was right.
- If there is no diagnosis yetWhat your TIRADS and Bethesda mean.What the classification in your report means.
- The costThe cost, in writing and before deciding.What the visit costs and how the cost of surgery is worked out.
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.
We invite you to present your biopsy; at the consultation we explain which surgery is appropriate.
In person in Santiago or Santo Domingo, or virtual from wherever you are, to review your studies before deciding.