What complications will occur after thyroid cancer surgery? These 5 symptoms are most likely to occur after thyroid cancer surgery

Thyroid cancer is one of the more serious diseases in medicine. The occurrence of this type of disease requires surgery as soon as possible. After the surgery, many complications may occur, such as hoarseness, numbness, cramps, or hypocalcemia. These are all caused by damage to the laryngeal nerve during the operation.

The occurrence of thyroid cancer may be related to severe iodine deficiency. After being exposed to radiation, this type of disease may occur. In the earliest stage, the overall symptoms are not particularly obvious, but they are more serious in the later stages, so people want to undergo surgery as soon as possible, but surgery can also lead to complications. So, what are the complications after thyroid cancer surgery?

1. Hoarseness after surgery

During the operation, the recurrent laryngeal nerve may be damaged. The recurrent laryngeal nerve controls the muscle movement of the vocal cords, which can achieve the effect of regulating the voice. Once damaged during the operation, it may also cause glottal movement disorders, and even weak and hoarse voice. If the nerves on both sides are damaged, breathing difficulties may occur due to glottal stenosis.

2. Numbness and cramps

Surgery affects the parathyroid glands, which can also cause numbness and cramps. The parathyroid glands are another endocrine gland close to the thyroid gland, and the secretion of thyroid hormones will directly regulate blood calcium levels. If the thyroid gland is removed during thyroid surgery, it will affect the stability of serum calcium concentration and cause obvious numbness. In severe cases, it can cause low-calcium cramps. This complication is relatively common.

3. Hypocalcemia

When thyroid cancer surgery is performed, it may cause damage to the surrounding glands, the hormones in the surrounding glands will decrease, and symptoms such as numbness of the hands and feet may occur. Most of these symptoms are caused by hypocalcemia.

Laryngeal nerve injury

If laryngeal nerve damage occurs, the patient will have obvious difficulty eating and will cough frequently. The probability of such a situation occurring is relatively high because it is caused by surgical damage.

5. Nerve Paralysis

After undergoing thyroid cancer surgery, if there is damage to the laryngeal nerves, nerve paralysis may occur. Once such symptoms occur, surgery should be performed as soon as possible. The purpose of the surgery is to effectively avoid suffocation, which is itself very important.