Dr. Dauren Adilbay, head and neck surgeon at MUSC, Charleston SC
Dauren Adilbay, MD, PhD Head & Neck Surgeon-Scientist
Medical University of South Carolina
For Researchers & Physicians Adilbay Imaging Lab Fluorescence-guided surgery & molecular imaging research at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. Visit the Research Lab →
MUSC-affiliated | International training | Surgeon-scientist

Advanced Thyroid, Parathyroid, and Head & Neck Surgery in Charleston, SC

Academic expertise at MUSC — compassionate, evidence-based care for patients across South Carolina and the Southeast.

Request an Appointment 📞 Call Now: 843-792-9300
How I Can Help

Care for conditions of the thyroid, head & neck

Patient-friendly evaluation and treatment for both benign and cancerous conditions — from a first-time neck lump to complex tumors.

ThyroidNodules, goiter & thyroid cancer surgery
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ParathyroidHyperparathyroidism & high calcium
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Oral CancerMouth & tongue lesions, oral cancer
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Head & Neck TumorsThroat, tonsil & voice box — incl. robotic surgery
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Salivary GlandParotid & submandibular tumors, stones
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Neck MassEvaluation & diagnosis of neck lumps
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Why Patients Choose Dr. Adilbay

A surgeon-scientist with world-class training —
practicing academic medicine at MUSC

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    Academic medicine at MUSC

    Care within the Medical University of South Carolina, with access to multidisciplinary specialists and tumor board review.

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    International training in Milan and Paris

    European Institute of Oncology (Milan, Italy) and Gustave Roussy (Paris, France) — plus top US cancer centers: Memorial Sloan Kettering, MD Anderson, and LSU.

Dr. Adilbay performing microsurgery
MSKCC · MD AndersonTrained at America's leading cancer centers
Dr. Adilbay at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York
At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York
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    Surgeon-scientist advancing the field

    Actively developing new diagnostic and treatment approaches for both malignant and benign tumors of the head and neck.

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    International leadership

    Board-level leadership experience in IFHNOS — a federation of over 6,000 head and neck oncology specialists — and a board role in the Asian-Pacific Thyroid Surgery Association (Seoul).

Experience & Background

A foundation patients can trust

A few facts about Dr. Adilbay's training and practice.

15+
Years caring for patients
Treating head & neck and thyroid conditions
MD · PhD
Surgeon & scientist
Both a practicing surgeon and a research scientist
50+
Peer-reviewed publications
Research that helps advance cancer care
4.9★
Patient rating
Verified reviews on MUSC Health

Dr. Adilbay's work has been recognized internationally — including selection as a Young Leader by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in the global fight against cancer.

Ready to be seen?

New patients are welcome at MUSC Health, Charleston, SC.

Request an Appointment 📞 Call 843-792-9300
Conditions & Treatments

What we treat — in plain language

Every plan starts with a careful evaluation. Treatment options are discussed openly, and surgery is recommended only when it may genuinely help.

Thyroid nodules & thyroid cancer▼
Common signsA lump in the front of the neck, fullness or pressure, voice changes — though many nodules cause no symptoms and are found on imaging.
EvaluationNeck ultrasound, blood tests, and, when indicated, a fine-needle biopsy. Most nodules are benign.
Treatment optionsOptions can include monitoring, medication, or surgery (removing part or all of the thyroid), depending on biopsy results and your preferences.
What to expectWhen surgery is appropriate, techniques focus on protecting the voice and using a small, well-placed incision. Many patients go home the same or next day.
Parathyroid disease / hyperparathyroidism▼
Common signsHigh calcium on blood work; fatigue, kidney stones, bone thinning, or "feeling off" — sometimes no symptoms at all.
EvaluationCalcium and parathyroid hormone blood tests, plus imaging to locate the overactive gland.
Treatment optionsSurgery to remove the overactive gland is often curative for primary hyperparathyroidism; monitoring may be an option in select cases.
What to expectParathyroid surgery is typically a short, focused outpatient procedure through a small incision.
Oral cancer & oral lesions▼
Common signsA sore in the mouth that doesn't heal, white or red patches, pain, loose teeth, or difficulty chewing.
EvaluationA thorough exam, biopsy of any suspicious area, and imaging when needed to map the extent of disease.
Treatment optionsOptions can include removing the lesion, reconstruction when needed, and coordination with radiation or medical oncology as part of a team plan.
What to expectThe goals are removing disease completely while preserving speech and swallowing as much as possible. Dr. Adilbay's research focuses specifically on earlier, more precise detection of oral cancer.
Head & neck tumors (throat, tonsil, voice box)▼
Common signsPersistent sore throat, trouble swallowing, ear pain on one side, hoarseness lasting more than a few weeks, or a neck lump.
EvaluationExamination with a small flexible camera, imaging, and biopsy. HPV testing may be part of the workup for throat tumors.
Treatment optionsDepending on the tumor, options may include minimally invasive or robotic surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination — decided with a multidisciplinary team.
What to expectA clear explanation of every option, with treatment designed to protect voice and swallowing wherever possible.
Salivary gland tumors▼
Common signsA painless lump in front of the ear, under the jaw, or in the cheek; rarely facial weakness or pain.
EvaluationUltrasound or MRI and needle biopsy. Most salivary tumors are benign, but removal is often advised.
Treatment optionsCareful surgical removal with special attention to the facial nerve, which runs through the parotid gland.
What to expectMeticulous nerve-protection technique and a cosmetic incision hidden in natural skin lines.
Neck mass evaluation▼
Common signsAny new lump in the neck in an adult — painless lumps that persist more than 2–3 weeks deserve evaluation.
EvaluationA focused exam, ultrasound or CT, and needle biopsy when indicated — often coordinated efficiently within one or two visits.
Treatment optionsTreatment depends entirely on the cause, which can range from benign cysts to infections to tumors. Many neck masses turn out to be treatable or benign.
What to expectAnswers, not alarm: a clear diagnosis and an honest discussion of next steps.
Your First Visit

What to expect at your first appointment

A first visit is a conversation, not a commitment. You'll leave with a clear understanding of your condition and the options available to you.

1
Bring your records

Imaging (CD or upload), biopsy or lab reports, a list of your medications, and a referral if your insurance requires one.

2
A thorough evaluation

Dr. Adilbay will examine you, review your imaging personally, and may perform an in-office scope exam or ultrasound when needed.

3
An honest discussion

All reasonable options are explained — including observation when appropriate. Questions are encouraged; bring a family member if you wish.

4
A clear plan

You'll leave with concrete next steps — additional testing, scheduling, or simply reassurance and a follow-up plan.

Dr. Dauren Adilbay — head and neck surgeon serving South Carolina and the Southeast
Areas We Serve

Based in Charleston — serving the Southeast

Dr. Adilbay sees patients at the MUSC Health Head & Neck Tumor Center at Rutledge Tower in Charleston, South Carolina, and welcomes patients from across the region:

South Carolina — statewide North Carolina Georgia Florida

Traveling from out of state? The team can help you plan: records can be sent ahead for review, visits can often be consolidated to minimize trips, and a virtual pre-visit may be possible in select situations — contact us to discuss what works for your case.

"
From the first visit, everything was explained clearly and every question was answered. I felt I was in expert hands.
— Patient, thyroid surgery
Request an Appointment

Take the first step today

New patients are welcome — call the clinic and ask for an appointment with Dr. Adilbay.

Call to schedule

New patient appointments — MUSC Health Head & Neck Tumor Center

843-792-9300

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm ET

📍135 Rutledge Avenue, Rutledge Tower
Charleston, SC 29425
🗓️Book through Dr. Adilbay's MUSC Health profile →