Thyroid cancer surgery performed with novel technique for a child

Mangaluru: A seven-year-old girl successfully underwent a supramajor surgery for advanced cancer of the thyroid gland at Zulekha Yenepoya Institute of Oncology, attached to Yenepoya Medical College Hospital here.

The child was diagnosed with papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland, which spread to both sides and the central part of the neck, just a few weeks ago. The child's parents noticed a swelling in her neck, prompting them to seek medical attention. After a series of tests, the diagnosis was confirmed, and the medical team at the hospital sprang into action.

After discussion of the tumour board, the surgical oncology team, led by Dr Jalaluddin Akbar, involving Dr HT Amar Rao and Dr Noor Mohammed, along with Dr Preethi (anaesthetist), performed a major surgery. They removed the thyroid gland and the affected lymph nodes from both sides and the central part of the neck. Since the cancer spread to both sides of the neck and the central part of the neck in a child, it was a high-risk and complicated surgery, which took around nine hours.

The team utilised a novel technique using Indocyanine Green to identify and preserve the parathyroid glands. This made the surgery completely safe, ensured the patient's long-term health, and minimised potential complications. The child was taken care of by paediatricians Dr Anitha Prabhu and Dr Ramnath Mahale during this period.

The surgery, which took place one week ago, was a success, and the child is recovering well. Thyroid cancer is very rare in children, but awareness and prompt medical consultation at the earliest symptoms can help identify potential issues early on.