TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tri-Service General Hospital used a robotic arm to remove a thyroid tumor from a 26-year-old woman through her armpit, reducing visible scarring.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Liu Shao-cheng (劉紹正), an ear, nose, and throat doctor at the hospital, said the team assessed the tumor’s location before the procedure and used fiber-optic laser technology to precisely remove it. The surgery also helped preserve the woman’s ability to speak, per CNA.

Liu said typical thyroid tumor surgery often leaves a visible scar on the neck. Some people may also experience stiffness, numbness, or difficulty hitting high notes following the procedure.

Robot-assisted surgery, he said, can remove tumors through the mouth without leaving a scar, though it may temporarily affect eating during recovery. However, tumors larger than 6 cm are not suitable for this method.

Liu said fiber-optic laser technology helps lower surgery costs. He explained a single robotic arm cannot grasp the tumor, control bleeding, and cut tissue at the same time. Another arm would raise the cost by at least NT$30,000 (US$950), he added.

Instead, the team used a flexible fiber-optic laser inserted through a tube to remove the tumor, making up for the limitations of the robotic arm. The hospital has completed more than 50 cases using this method.

Thyroid issues are five times more common in women than in men, mainly due to immune problems, hormonal changes, or physical changes during pregnancy. Common symptoms include a fast heartbeat, unusual weight changes, irregular periods and a swollen neck. Treatment usually involves medication, iodine therapy, or surgery.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare said thyroid cancer cases in Taiwan are on the rise, with 90% occurring in women. Surgery to remove the tumor greatly improves survival, and the cancer is not considered highly fatal.