Does thyroid cancer cause weakening of the vocal cords?

Thyroid cancer is a malignant tumor that originates from the thyroid follicular epithelium or parafollicular cells. There are many reasons that lead to vocal cord weakening. Common causes include invasion of surrounding thyroid tissues, lymph node metastasis, compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve or superior laryngeal nerve, and postoperative thyroid cancer. Targeted treatment is required based on the specific condition.

1. Invasion of tissues surrounding the thyroid gland: Thyroid cancer can metastasize to the cervical lymph nodes through lymphatic or hematogenous pathways. When the cervical lymph nodes metastasize, they will compress or block the glottis area, leading to weakening of the vocal cords, and cervical lymph node dissection surgery is required;

2. Lymph node metastasis: Thyroid cancer is more likely to metastasize to the cervical lymph nodes, mainly from the lateral lymph nodes, but also through the mediastinal lymph nodes. When the cervical lymph nodes metastasize, they will compress the recurrent laryngeal nerve or the superior laryngeal nerve, thus weakening the vocal cords. Neck lymph node dissection surgery is required.

3. Compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve or superior laryngeal nerve: Thyroid cancer can invade the recurrent laryngeal nerve or superior laryngeal nerve through direct invasion, hematogenous metastasis, etc., resulting in weakening of the vocal cords, which requires radical surgery for thyroid cancer;

4. After thyroid cancer surgery: During radical thyroid cancer surgery, it is necessary to clean both recurrent laryngeal nerves or superior laryngeal nerves at the same time. If nerve damage occurs after surgery, it will also lead to weakening of the vocal cords. Generally, it can be gradually recovered, but if it has not recovered for more than half a year, nerve repair treatment is required.

In addition to the common causes above, it may also be caused by thyroid cancer combined with other diseases, such as mediastinal tumors, esophageal cancer, etc. If not treated in time, it may compress the vocal cords, causing the vocal cords to weaken. Therefore, when it is suspected that the vocal cords are weakened due to thyroid cancer, it is recommended to go to the hospital as soon as possible for a clear diagnosis and receive timely treatment under the guidance of a doctor.