The thyroid, a gland located in the front of the neck, releases chemicals that control the body's energy level. According to the American Cancer Society, the thyroid is comprised mainly of two cell types: follicular cells, which use iodine from the blood to make thyroid hormone, and C cells, which regulates calcium. Follicular thyroid tumors, which can be benign or malignant, are slow-growing and have a good prognosis. Because they are usually contained within the thyroid, the surgery required may be less extensive, with less risk.
Voice Loss
The voice box or windpipe may be irritated by the breathing tube used during surgery, causing a temporary loss of voice, reports the American Cancer Society.
Hoarseness
Temporary or, rarely, permanent hoarseness can occur if the nerves to the larynx are injured by the operation, reports EndocrineWeb. These nerves, which move the vocal cords, are located next to the back of the thyroid. This uncommon complication occurs in only 1 to 2 percent of patients, and is less likely to occur in the hands of an experienced surgeon.
Blood Clot in the Neck
Surgery to remove a follicular thyroid tumor can cause a major blood clot to form in the neck, reports the American Cancer Society. This complication less likely to occur if the operation is performed by an experienced thyroid specialist who has performed many surgeries for thyroid cancer.
Bleeding
Follicular tumor surgery can cause heavy bleeding, which can result in acute respiratory distress, reports the American Thyroid Association. This complication occurs more frequently if many lymph nodes are involved, which is rare for follicular tumors, and if the surgeon is inexperienced.
Damaged Parathyroid Glands
Another possible risk of surgery is damage to the four tiny parathyroid glands behind the thyroid that regulate calcium. This rarely occurs, and is more likely if an extensive surgical procedure is required, which is unlikely with follicular tumors.
If the parathyroid glands are removed, calcium and vitamin D must be taken for the patient's lifetime to maintain normal calcium levels in the blood, reports MayoClinic.com.
Wound Infection
The site of incision for the surgery may become infected, reports the American Cancer Society. Again, this risk is less frequent if an experienced thyroid surgeon who has had specialized training performs the operation.
Second Surgery
Some people with malignant follicular thyroid tumors have only one thyroid lobe and the isthmus, a narrow band of tissue connecting the two halves, removed during surgery, explains the National Cancer Institute. In these individuals, a second procedure to remove the other lobe may be needed later, especially if treatment with other measures such as radioactive iodine is insufficient.
Pain
Patients may experience pain or discomfort in the first days after the operation, reports the National Cancer Institute. If this occurs, they should ask their doctor for more pain relief medication.
