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Arun Sharma, MD

  • 4.9 / 5 (155 ratings)
Otolaryngology
Accepting New Patients
MultiCare Provider
Location
316 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Suite 306, 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 uses the single port robotic system to perform minimally invasive robotic surgery for oropharyngeal cancers. Dr. Sharma is one of just 217 surgeons to receive the inaugural Focused Practice Designation (FPD) in Adult Complex Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS) and the American Board of Surgery (ABS).

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

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, including drug induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, transoral robotic (TORS) tongue base surgery, and hypoglossal nerve stimulator (Inspire) implantation
  • Open and endoscopic surgery for Zenker's diverticulum

Dr. Sharma is featured in Seattle Magazine's annual list of the Top Doctors in the Puget Sound for 2025.

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 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/)
  • 4.9 Provider showed concern
  • 4.9 Provider explained things clearly
  • 4.9 Provider included you in decisions
  • 4.8 Provider discussed treatment options
  • 4.9 Likelihood of recommending this provider
4.9 out of 5 (155 ratings, 31 comments)
  • Mar, 27 2026
    After my first visit I can hardly explain how happy and confident I am that I get to have doctor sharma as my doctor for this issue.
  • Mar, 1 2026
    Dr. Sharma did an excellent job on a diffucult surgery on me. I liked that he explains things clearly also.
  • Feb, 28 2026
    Dr Sharma was professional and competent during the examination and took time to show me the video of what he saw through the scope. We agreed that I didn't need any follow up at this time.
  • Jan, 1 2026
    This survey refers to a virtual visit but It was an in person visit with Dr. Guo. The radiology clinic in Gig Harbor has been a very goid experience. The provider, nurse, technicians and reception have always been very professional, welcoming and supportive to both patient and family.
  • Nov, 16 2025
    Dr. Sharma was knowledgeable about my condition and talked with me quite a bit. He included me in conversation like I was a friend asking for help, and we made a plan together for next steps. Phenomenal doctor.
  • Nov, 7 2025
    I cannot possibly imagine this journey of mine without the care of Dr. Sharma, Katie and Trisha
  • Nov, 1 2025
    I was unsure of a number of issues about the procedure I would need to undergo. The doctor explained the options, along with the things to consider. It enabled me to express and opinion on the best course to take. He set me at ease that although this will be a difficult surgery, it was what was needed and he could get me through it. There was also a nurse navigator there. She was helpful at letting me know she was available to help too.
  • Oct, 20 2025
    Dr. Sharma is professional and caring. He is a clear communicator. I have a great deal of confidence in him.
  • Oct, 17 2025
    I look forward to my follow up visit in a month to discuss changes in my pain levels.
  • Oct, 7 2025
    Dr. Sharma has always listened and been an excellent Dr. I am lucky to have him taking care of me.
  • Sep, 19 2025
    Dr Sharma has been great. Very happy I was able to include him in my care plan.
  • Aug, 16 2025
    This provider is the most outstanding physician I have had dealings with in the last number of years. He is extremely personable, caring, considerate and a highly qualified head and neck surgeon. There should be more physicians like him.
  • Jun, 19 2025
    Dr. Sharma explained, in detail, everything he was doing throughout the examination.
  • Jun, 13 2025
    Dr Sharma was very clear about my injury and the steps needed. Luckily, no surgery was indicated.