About Prof. Zhang Hongwei
Prof. Zhang Hongwei (张宏伟) is a Chief Physician (主任医师) and Professor in the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, and serves as the Director of the Breast Disease Center at Zhongshan Hospital. A graduate of the former Shanghai Medical University with a doctoral degree, Prof. Zhang completed advanced training at Washington University School of Medicine in the United States — an international academic background that informs his evidence-based, globally aligned approach to surgical oncology.
Prof. Zhang holds leadership positions in China's most prominent oncology societies, including membership in the Breast Cancer Committee of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association (CACA) and Vice-Chairman of the Breast Cancer Committee of the Shanghai Anti-Cancer Association. While his national reputation is particularly strong in breast cancer surgery, his expertise in thyroid cancer surgery is equally well-established — reflecting the integrated nature of thyroid and breast surgical oncology at Zhongshan Hospital's dedicated center.
Clinical Expertise
- Thyroid cancer surgery — total thyroidectomy and hemithyroidectomy for papillary, follicular, and medullary thyroid carcinoma; central and lateral neck dissection for lymph node metastases; management of locally advanced thyroid cancer with extrathyroidal extension
- Thyroid nodule evaluation and management — risk stratification using ultrasound and FNA cytology; surgical decision-making for indeterminate (Bethesda III/IV) and suspicious (Bethesda V) nodules
- Breast cancer surgery — breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), mastectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and axillary lymph node dissection; oncoplastic techniques for optimal cosmetic outcomes
- Breast reconstruction — immediate and delayed reconstruction options including implant-based and autologous tissue reconstruction, in coordination with plastic surgery
- Recurrent laryngeal nerve preservation — intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) during thyroid surgery to protect voice function
- Multidisciplinary treatment coordination — integration of surgery with radioactive iodine, targeted therapy, and systemic oncology for thyroid cancer; coordination with medical oncology, radiation oncology, and pathology for breast cancer
Why Prof. Zhang Hongwei?
Prof. Zhang's dual expertise in thyroid and breast surgical oncology — combined with his international training at Washington University and his leadership roles in national oncology societies — positions him as one of Shanghai's most academically credentialed surgeons in this specialty. His involvement in CACA and Shanghai Anti-Cancer Association committees means that his clinical practice is continuously informed by the latest national and international evidence, and that his patients benefit from a surgeon who is actively shaping treatment standards rather than simply following them.
For international patients who present with both thyroid and breast concerns — not uncommon given the overlapping demographic of middle-aged women affected by both conditions — Prof. Zhang's combined expertise offers the efficiency of a single specialist who can evaluate and manage both conditions within the same institutional framework.
His US training at Washington University School of Medicine also means that Prof. Zhang is comfortable discussing cases in the context of international treatment guidelines (NCCN, ESMO, ATA), which facilitates communication with international patients and their home physicians.
Hospital: Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University
Zhongshan Hospital is one of China's most prestigious academic medical centers, consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the country. Its Breast Disease Center — directed by Prof. Zhang — is one of Shanghai's leading dedicated breast cancer programs, with a multidisciplinary tumor board, advanced imaging, and a full range of surgical and reconstructive options. The hospital's thyroid and breast surgery department combines high surgical volume with academic rigor, ensuring that patients receive care that meets international standards.
About Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is the most rapidly rising cancer globally, with incidence increasing by approximately 3% per year. The vast majority of cases are papillary thyroid carcinoma, which has an excellent prognosis with appropriate surgical treatment. Key facts for international patients:
- Surgery is the cornerstone of treatment for all thyroid cancer subtypes; the completeness of the initial operation is the most important determinant of long-term outcomes
- Total thyroidectomy vs. hemithyroidectomy: the choice depends on tumor size, multifocality, lymph node involvement, and patient factors; current guidelines (ATA, NCCN) favor hemithyroidectomy for low-risk unifocal tumors ≤1 cm
- Lymph node dissection: central neck dissection is performed for clinically involved nodes or high-risk tumors; lateral neck dissection for confirmed lateral lymph node metastases
- Radioactive iodine (RAI): used post-surgery for remnant ablation and treatment of metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer; not effective for medullary or anaplastic thyroid cancer
- Targeted therapy: lenvatinib and sorafenib for RAI-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer; selpercatinib for RET-mutated medullary and papillary thyroid cancer; dabrafenib + trametinib for BRAF V600E-mutated anaplastic thyroid cancer
- Active surveillance: an option for very low-risk papillary microcarcinomas (≤1 cm, no high-risk features) in selected patients who prefer to defer surgery
What to Prepare Before Your Consultation
To enable Prof. Zhang's team to conduct a thorough remote case review, international patients should prepare:
- Neck ultrasound report with measurements and characteristics of thyroid nodules and cervical lymph nodes
- FNA cytology report (Bethesda classification) if biopsy has been performed
- CT scan of the neck and chest with contrast (for locally advanced or metastatic disease)
- Thyroid function tests: TSH, free T4, free T3
- Tumor markers: thyroglobulin (Tg) and anti-Tg antibodies; calcitonin and CEA for medullary thyroid cancer
- Genetic testing results if available (RET, BRAF, RAS mutations)
- Prior surgical or treatment records if previously operated
- Breast imaging (mammogram, ultrasound, MRI) if breast concerns are also present
How CMCS Can Help
China Medical Concierge Shanghai (CMCS) coordinates access to Prof. Zhang Hongwei and the Zhongshan Hospital thyroid and breast surgery team for international patients. Our services include:
- Remote case review and pre-consultation assessment before you travel
- Priority appointment scheduling with Prof. Zhang's team
- Full translation of ultrasound reports, pathology, and treatment plans
- In-hospital accompaniment by a dedicated English-speaking case manager
- Accommodation, airport transfer, and logistics coordination in Shanghai
- Post-discharge follow-up and remote consultation support after returning home
Contact us to begin your case review:
📧 contract@medicalsh.com
💬 WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/3AM6KAGCW2BAD1
🌐 www.medicalsh.com
0 comentarios