Thyroid cancer has an excellent prognosis when it is treated properly: precise surgery and radioactive iodine therapy tailored to the indications achieve a cure in the great majority of patients. At Anadolu, this is handled by experienced endocrine surgeons and a Nuclear Medicine department with its own isolation rooms for iodine therapy.
During the operation, neuromonitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (which preserves the voice) and careful identification of the parathyroid glands are used — which considerably reduces the risk of complications.
Treatment methods at Anadolu
Thyroidectomy with neuromonitoring
Removal of the thyroid gland (total or lobectomy — depending on risk) is performed with continuous monitoring of the vocal cord nerve and preservation of the parathyroid glands.
Neck lymph node dissection
When the lymph nodes are involved, a central and/or lateral neck dissection is performed — this is crucial to prevent recurrence.
Radioactive iodine therapy (I-131)
After surgery, in cases of intermediate or high risk, iodine therapy destroys any remaining tumour cells. It is carried out in the dedicated rooms of the Nuclear Medicine department.
Targeted treatment
In the rare iodine-refractory forms and in medullary forms, modern targeted drugs (TKIs) matched to the tumour’s molecular profile are used.
Follow-up
Thyroglobulin, ultrasound and, if necessary, scintigraphy — a clear follow-up plan that you can also continue closer to home.
Why international patients choose Anadolu
- Affiliation with Johns Hopkins Medicine — shared clinical protocols with one of the largest medical centres in the United States.
- JCI, ESMO and OECI accreditations — internationally recognised quality and patient safety.
- Multidisciplinary tumour boards — your treatment plan is decided not by a single doctor but by a team of specialists.
- Support in English — a coordinator and an interpreter at every step, from your first enquiry to discharge.
- A transparent cost estimate before you travel — you know the estimated cost of treatment in advance.
- Practical assistance — our team assists with travel and, where needed, visa formalities.
Specialist doctors
Kemal Raşa
Dr., Master Surgeon, FACS, FACP, Surgeon
General Surgery
Kezban Berberoğlu
Specialist physician
Nuclear MedicineHow to start your treatment
Send your records
Reports, scans and test results — via the form, by email or WhatsApp.
The doctor’s opinion
A specialist will review your case free of charge within 48 hours.
Plan and cost estimate
You will receive the treatment plan and its estimated cost — before you travel.
Arrival and treatment
Transfers, accommodation and an interpreter — everything is arranged by the hospital.
Frequently asked questions — thyroid cancer
Is the whole thyroid gland always removed?
No — for small low-risk tumours, a lobectomy (half of the gland) is sufficient, usually without the need for lifelong hormone replacement. The decision depends on the results and the ultrasound.
Will I lose my voice after the operation?
At experienced centres, the risk of permanent nerve damage is less than 1%, and neuromonitoring reduces it further. Temporary hoarseness is possible and resolves within a few weeks.
What does iodine therapy involve?
You take an I-131 capsule and stay in a dedicated room for 2 to 3 days, until the radioactivity decreases. The procedure is painless; you will receive detailed instructions about isolation in advance.
I have a thyroid nodule — is it cancer?
Most nodules are benign. Assessment includes an ultrasound (TI-RADS) and, if necessary, a fine-needle aspiration — all of which can be done in a single day at the hospital.
How can I get a medical second opinion?
Send your ultrasound, cytology/histology and hormone results via the form or WhatsApp — the response reaches you within 48 hours, free of charge.
Request a treatment plan and cost estimate
Free: a specialist will review your records within 48 hours.