Endocrinology · 2026
Thyroid disease care,
Graves, Hashimoto's, nodules, cancer.
Comprehensive workup of hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, nodules and thyroid cancer. Thermal ablation (RFA, microwave) for selected nodules, surgical and radioactive iodine pathways at Class A endocrinology centres.
$650–1,400
Thyroid workup
TFTs + antibodies + ultrasound + FNA if indicated
Partner clinic quotes 2024
$3,500–6,500
RFA / MWA for nodule
vs $8,000–18,000 in the US
Partner clinic quotes 2024
Class A
Top centres
PUMC, Ruijin, Shanghai Sixth, Zhongshan endocrinology
NHC ratings
RFA / MWA
+ HIFU available
Image-guided thermal ablation for benign nodules
Centre programs
RAI
Available
131-I therapy for hyperthyroidism and DTC
Standard at top centres
Bilingual
Workup + plan
Standard discharge package + home-team handover
Service standard
Tiers & pricing
Six tiers, transparent pricing.
Comprehensive workup
TSH, fT4, fT3, anti-TPO, anti-TG, TRAb, thyroid ultrasound with TI-RADS, FNA if indicated.
$650–1,400
Hyperthyroidism management
Methimazole / PTU titration; beta-blocker; RAI 131-I therapy; Graves' ophthalmopathy referral.
$280–950 / month + RAI
Hypothyroidism / Hashimoto's
Levothyroxine titration to TSH target; combined T4/T3 in selected cases; pregnancy management.
$8–25 / month
Thyroid nodule RFA / MWA
Radiofrequency or microwave ablation for benign nodules > 2cm with compressive symptoms or cosmetic.
$3,500–6,500
Thyroidectomy
Lobectomy, total thyroidectomy ± central neck dissection. Robotic and trans-axillary at flagship centres.
$4,500–9,500
Thyroid cancer pathway
Surgery + RAI ablation + TSH suppression + lenvatinib/sorafenib for advanced; selpercatinib for RET+.
Quoted on case
Top hospitals
Six centres
open to international patients.
PUMC Endocrinology 北京协和医院
Academic endocrinology · diagnostic excellence · complex thyroid · pituitary integration
Ruijin Hospital Endocrinology 瑞金医院
Class A · large endocrine cohort · long-term follow-up data
Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital 上海第六人民医院
Class A · large nodule RFA / MWA volume · outpatient ablation program
Beijing Tongren Hospital ENT + Thyroid 北京同仁医院
Class A · thyroidectomy + parathyroid + RAI integrated program
Zhongshan Endocrinology 中山医院
Class A · MDT thyroid cancer · thermal ablation program
United Family Hospitals 和睦家
JCI · expat-focused · routine thyroid follow-up · pregnancy management
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
- Why China for thyroid disease?
- Three reasons: (1) Volume — China has high thyroid disease prevalence (especially nodules and Hashimoto's) and Class A endocrinology departments operate at scale; (2) RFA / MWA expertise — China is the global volume leader in image-guided thermal ablation of benign thyroid nodules, with surgeon-operator experience exceeding most Western centres; (3) Cost — comprehensive workup runs 60–70% below US pricing, and surgical or ablative treatment runs 50–70% below US.
- What does a thyroid workup include?
- Standard 1–2 day pathway: TSH, free T4, free T3 (if hyperthyroidism); thyroid antibodies (anti-TPO, anti-thyroglobulin, TRAb if Graves' suspected); thyroid ultrasound with TI-RADS classification (5-tier: 1 benign to 5 highly suspicious); FNA biopsy of nodules per TI-RADS criteria (typically TI-RADS 4 ≥ 1.5 cm, TI-RADS 5 ≥ 1 cm); thyroid scan (technetium-99m or I-123) if hyperthyroidism with suspected toxic nodule. Bilingual final report with TI-RADS-based recommendation.
- What about hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease)?
- Standard pathway: confirm Graves' (TRAb positive, diffuse uptake on scan); first-line antithyroid drug therapy (methimazole preferred over PTU except 1st trimester pregnancy or thyroid storm); beta-blocker for symptom control; treatment options after 12–18 months of ATD: continue ATD, RAI 131-I therapy, or surgery (total thyroidectomy). Graves' ophthalmopathy: ophthalmology referral, IV pulse steroid for moderate-severe; teprotumumab for active moderate-severe TED (NMPA approval pending; available in clinical trial).
- What about thyroid nodule ablation (RFA / MWA / HIFU)?
- Image-guided thermal ablation is indicated for: cytologically benign nodules with compressive symptoms (dysphagia, hoarseness), cosmetic concern, or autonomously functioning nodules causing hyperthyroidism. China is the global volume leader in this technique. Indicative cost $3,500–$6,500 (vs $8,000–$18,000 in the US). Typical outcome: 50–70% volume reduction at 6 months, 70–85% at 12 months. Single session for most nodules; very large nodules may require staged sessions.
- What about thyroid cancer?
- Standard pathway for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC, the most common type — papillary 80% + follicular): risk-stratified surgery (lobectomy for small low-risk; total thyroidectomy ± central neck dissection for higher risk); RAI 131-I ablation for intermediate-high risk; TSH suppression therapy; long-term thyroglobulin surveillance. Advanced and refractory cases: lenvatinib (Lenvima), sorafenib (Nexavar), selpercatinib (Retsevmo) for RET-fusion-positive tumours, larotrectinib for NTRK-fusion tumours — all NMPA-approved at substantially lower cost than US.
- What about Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism?
- Standard pathway: confirm with TSH + anti-TPO; levothyroxine titration to TSH target (typically 0.5–2.5 mIU/L for younger patients, 1–4 mIU/L for elderly); annual TSH monitoring once stable. Combined T4/T3 (Synthroid + Cytomel, NMPA-listed) considered for patients with persistent symptoms despite normal TSH on levothyroxine alone — use with caution. Pregnancy planning: tighter TSH targets (< 2.5 mIU/L) before and during pregnancy; dose typically increases 25–30% in pregnancy.
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Read the guideSend your TFTs + ultrasound
for a thyroid plan.
Upload your thyroid function tests, ultrasound and any FNA results. We return a written plan from a partner endocrinologist — including medical, RFA / MWA, surgical or RAI options matched to your case.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Thyroid storm, severe hypothyroidism (myxedema coma) and thyroid cancer with airway compromise are medical emergencies — present to your nearest ED.