Which department should I visit after diagnosis?

Hello, I completely understand how you're feeling right now. Just receiving a diagnosis report can be incredibly overwhelming and confusing, leaving you unsure of the next steps. Don't worry, let me walk you through the process so you have a clear understanding.

Core Answer: Prioritize the Surgery Department Capable of Performing Thyroid Surgery

When diagnosed with thyroid cancer, the first and most crucial step is to schedule an appointment with the Surgery Department.

Why Surgery? Think of it this way: the primary and most recommended treatment for thyroid cancer is currently surgical removal. Therefore, you need to find a doctor who can "remove" the problem, and that doctor is in the Surgery Department.

Specifically, you can schedule appointments with the following departments, listed in order of priority:

Thyroid Surgery / Head and Neck Surgery
- This is the most specialized and appropriate department. Larger, specialized cancer hospitals or general hospitals will have dedicated Thyroid Surgery departments or include thyroid within Head and Neck Surgery. Doctors here focus exclusively on this condition daily, possess the most experience, and are your top choice.
General Surgery (Thyroid Specialty Group)
- If the hospital doesn't have the specialized departments above, then schedule with General Surgery. Many General Surgery departments have dedicated teams specializing in thyroid surgery. When booking, check the doctor profiles to find an expert whose specialty is "Thyroid Disorders" or "Thyroid Tumors."
Breast and Thyroid Surgery
- Some hospitals combine the Breast and Thyroid departments (as they are anatomically close and both relate to endocrinology) into a "Breast and Thyroid Surgery" department. If you see this option, go ahead and schedule – it's also highly relevant.

In summary: Your goal is to find the doctor who will perform your surgery, so head straight to the [Surgery Department].

What About Other Departments? Do I Need Them?

You might wonder: Isn't the thyroid an endocrine organ? Should I see Endocrinology? Or I've heard about "Radioactive Iodine (I-131)" treatment – does that mean I need Nuclear Medicine?

Great questions! These departments are your "allies" on the road to recovery, but they typically come into play after surgery.

Endocrinology:
- Role: Post-operative "Logistics Chief."
- Work: After surgical removal of the thyroid, your body loses its thyroid function and requires lifelong medication called Levothyroxine to replace thyroid hormone. How much to take? How to adjust the dosage? This is managed by Endocrinology doctors. They will order regular blood tests and adjust your medication based on the results.
Nuclear Medicine:
- Role: Post-operative "Cleanup Crew."
- Work: For certain types of thyroid cancer or cases with a risk of spread, doctors may recommend Radioactive Iodine (I-131) therapy after surgery to eliminate any potentially remaining cancer cells. This treatment is performed in the Nuclear Medicine department.
Ultrasound Department / Radiology (Imaging):
- Role: Your "Eyes."
- Work: Ultrasound is essential for monitoring your condition, both for pre-operative diagnosis and post-operative follow-up. They are your long-term partners in surveillance.

Your "One-Stop" Healthcare Roadmap

To make things clearer, here's a roadmap for you:

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment in [Surgery]
- Bring all your test reports (especially the ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration biopsy reports).
- Have a thorough discussion with the surgeon. They will assess your condition and determine the surgical plan (e.g., total vs. partial thyroidectomy, whether lymph node dissection is needed).
- Follow the doctor's instructions to arrange hospitalization and surgery.
Step 2: Surgery and Recovery
- Proceed confidently with the surgery. After the operation, your surgeon will receive the final pathology report, which is the "gold standard" for determining the next steps in your treatment.
Step 3: Follow Medical Advice and Proceed Accordingly
- Upon discharge, your surgeon will give you clear instructions:
  - "You will need long-term medication. Schedule regular follow-ups with Endocrinology to adjust your dosage."
  - "Based on your pathology results, I recommend Radioactive Iodine (I-131) therapy. Please consult with Nuclear Medicine."
  - "Return for an ultrasound follow-up in 3 months / 6 months."

One-Sentence Summary

After diagnosis, take your reports and directly schedule an appointment with Thyroid Surgery, Head and Neck Surgery, or General Surgery to first determine the surgical plan with a doctor. For long-term management after surgery, follow your surgeon's advice and proceed to Endocrinology and Nuclear Medicine.

Finally, take a deep breath. Thyroid cancer is often called a "lazy cancer" because it tends to grow slowly and responds very well to treatment. You've already taken the most important step – discovering it. Now, just follow your doctor's plan step by step, and everything will be okay.

Wishing you a speedy recovery!