The impact of unilateral thyroid cancer resection on the body

Thyroid cancer is a common endocrine tumor in clinical practice. Unilateral resection of thyroid cancer patients has a certain impact on the body, but the impact is not significant. In clinical practice, total thyroidectomy, subtotal thyroidectomy or unilateral thyroidectomy are often used to treat thyroid cancer, which has little impact on patients. If you want to conduct a more detailed physical assessment, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor and choose the appropriate treatment method under the doctor's advice.

1. Skin: Since the thyroid gland is rich in blood vessels, hematoma may occur at the compression site after surgery, affecting the local appearance. If not properly cared for, pressure sores and infections may also occur;

2. Trachea: If unilateral thyroidectomy is performed, the trachea in the neck needs to be ligated or sutured, which may cause aspiration, suffocation or airway obstruction, and endanger the patient's life. If breathing difficulties occur, endotracheal intubation and ventilator-assisted ventilation should be performed in time;

3. Esophagus: Since thyroidectomy needs to be performed in the neck, it may damage the esophagus, causing complications such as cervical esophageal fistula or esophageal stenosis;

4. Nerve damage: If the recurrent laryngeal nerve is damaged, hoarseness, coughing when drinking water, etc. may occur;

5. Hypothyroidism: Due to insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones, symptoms such as fear of cold, less sweating, weight gain, and dry skin may occur;

6. Nausea and vomiting: After surgery, hypothyroidism may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea;

7. Lymphedema: Surgery may damage lymphatic vessels, causing lymphatic reflux obstruction, leading to symptoms of edema in the upper or lower limbs after surgery;

8. Others: Symptoms such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism may also occur. Due to abnormal hormone secretion after thyroidectomy, some patients may experience symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and insomnia. However, most of the above symptoms are transient and can generally recover on their own after surgery.