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Arun Sharma, MD

  • 4.8 / 5 (167 ratings)
Otolaryngology, Surgical Oncology
Accepting New Patients
MultiCare Provider
Location
316 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Suite 305, Tacoma, WA, 98405
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Arun Sharma, MD, is a board-certified otolaryngologist and fellowship-trained head and neck oncologic surgeon who specializes in treatment of head and neck cancer. He treats cancers of the mouth, throat and voice box as well as salivary gland cancers, skin cancers and thyroid/parathyroid masses. He has advanced training in minimally invasive approaches, including transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) for laryngeal lesions and cancers.

Dr. Sharma focuses on quality of life and incorporating patients into the decision-making process. He believes that patient education and involvement are key parts of caring for patients. Outside of work, Dr. Sharma enjoys traveling, hiking, kayaking, cooking and spending time with family. 

The conditions Dr. Sharma treats include:

  • Head and neck cancer
  • Neck masses
  • Thyroid nodules/masses and cancer
  • Hyperparathyroidism
  • Salivary gland (parotid, submandibular, and sublingual gland) nodules/masses and cancer
  • Melanoma and other skin cancers of the head and neck
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Zenker's diverticulum
  • Eagle's syndrome

The procedures Dr. Sharma performs include:

  • Neck dissection
  • Removal of benign and malignant neck masses
  • Removal of oral cancers, including glossectomy and mandible resection
  • Maxillectomy
  • Endoscopic laser resection of laryngeal masses and cancers
  • Total laryngectomy
  • Pectoralis major flap
  • Reconstruction of head and neck defects with local flaps, regional flaps, and skin grafts
  • Transoral robotic surgery (TORS)
  • Thyroidectomy
  • Parathyroidectomy
  • Parotidectomy
  • Submandibular gland excision
  • Removal of skin cancers of the head and neck
  • Sentinel lymph node biopsy
  • Surgery for obstructive sleep apnea
  • Open and endoscopic surgery for Zenker's diverticulum
  • Styloidectomy for Eagle's syndrome

Dr. Sharma is featured in Seattle Magazine's annual list of the Top Doctors in the Puget Sound for 2023.

Languages: English
Certification: Otolaryngology
Professional School: University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)
Residency: University of Washington (Seattle, WA)
Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)
Medical Groups: MultiCare, MultiCare Medical Partners
Research:
  1. Robotics in Otolaryngology (https://www.oto.theclinics.com/article/S0030-6665(20)36680-9/fulltext)
  2. Prevalence and Factors Associated With Oral Cavity and Pharyngeal Cancer Screening in a Rural Population (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34926974/)
  3. Marijuana use among US adults with cancer: findings from the 2018-2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35397761/)
  4. Trends in Diagnosis of Noninvasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm With Papillarylike Nuclear Features and Total Thyroidectomies for Patients With Papillary Thyroid Neoplasms (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34817546/)
  5. Evaluating the Rising Incidence of Thyroid Cancer and Thyroid Nodule Detection Modes: A Multinational, Multi-institutional Analysis (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35834240/)
  6. Rapid telehealth implementation into an otolaryngology practice during the COVID-19 pandemic (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34195358/)
  7. Salivary duct carcinoma: An aggressive salivary gland malignancy with opportunities for targeted therapy (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29103750/)
  8. Survival and Gastrostomy Prevalence in Patients With Oropharyngeal Cancer Treated With Transoral Robotic Surgery vs Chemoradiotherapy (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27347780/)
  9. A 20-Year Review of 75 Cases of Salivary Duct Carcinoma (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26939990/)
  10. Hospital volume is associated with survival but not multimodality therapy in Medicare patients with advanced head and neck cancer (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23456789/)
  11. Human papillomavirus-positive oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer patients do not have better quality-of-life trajectories (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22275190/)

  • 4.8 Provider showed concern
  • 4.8 Provider explained things clearly
  • 4.8 Provider included you in decisions
  • 4.8 Provider discussed treatment options
  • 4.7 Likelihood of recommending this provider
4.8 out of 5 (167 ratings, 39 comments)
  • Dec, 3 2024
    Dr. Sharma is an excellent doctor. He was very thorough in explaining the past and present issues I had. I was very satisfied with my appointment with him.
  • Nov, 22 2024
    Dr Sharma is the most incredible Doctor, normally I'm not a go to the doctor kinda of person, I trust Dr Sharma with my health
  • Nov, 18 2024
    I liked the Dr. Detailed explanation, Laid out a well presented plan of action, felt comforted by the plan
  • Oct, 29 2024
    Dr. Sharma was very informative. He describe surgery in great detail. He Helped me understand why the surgery was important to protect bone health and prevent kidney stones. He also described the risk associated with the surgery.
  • Sep, 21 2024
    Dr. Sharma was very kind and attentive to my visit needs. He has an excellent bedside manner.
  • Sep, 17 2024
    Both the nurse and doctor were very clear during our discussion. I liked that the doctor did not speak "over our heads".
  • Sep, 15 2024
    Dr. Sharma is always straightforward and listens to any concerns. I will and have referred to his practice.
  • Sep, 13 2024
    Wonderful Dr. He explained everything and made me feel like I was getting the best care.
  • Jul, 30 2024
    It was really great. I felt listened to and cared for. I liked the urgency in scheduling appointments and tests
  • Jul, 28 2024
    Dr. Sharma was excellent. He did a wonderful job explaining what tests meant and how the information should be used. He gave options along with different factors to consider. I could not have received a better consultation, and was very satisfied with out agreed upon plan of action.
  • Jul, 28 2024
    He's a great Dr.always very caring about me and doing always the right medicine for my illness
  • Jun, 30 2024
    Dr. Sharma acknowledged that my condition is very difficult for any further surgical intervention, but evaluated continuing deterioration and risks vs. Benefits of any the limited treatment options available.
  • Jun, 27 2024
    He is an amazing doctor and his staff is just as amazing
  • Jun, 18 2024
    Dr Sharma-excellent in explaining everything he did. He asked if we had any questions several times. He showed his care and concern. He was direct in his approach to the serious matter.
  • May, 28 2024
    Dr Sharma was prepared for our appt, explained test results & treatment, and answered all of my questions
  • May, 23 2024
    The doctor and I were all in agreement on any further treatments and observations. He was very attentive and listened to my concerns and offered me ideas to work with. No Disagreements there.
  • May, 18 2024
    Dr. Sharma is thorough, professional and personable. I am grateful to have been referred to him.
  • May, 9 2024
    Dr. Sharma and his PA took time to listen to me. They are the best!
  • May, 9 2024
    My goals and concerns were presented by the physician to guide care
  • Apr, 8 2024
    Truly like him. Made me feel oh so comfortable though came in petrified. I like the style of how he handles the next step and truly felt like he made me a priority
  • Mar, 19 2024
    Dr. Sharma is top notch. I feel so cared for when I see him and appreciate the expertise he brings to his practice. Simply the best!
  • Mar, 9 2024
    Dr. Sharma always answers my questions thoroughly and listens to any concerns.