The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland below the Adam's apple in the neck, regulates the body's energy level. Most people with thyroid cancer, which is rare, have their entire thyroid gland surgically removed, reports the American Cancer Society. Removal of all or part of the thyroid is also done in people with an excessively large benign swelling in the gland. Certain effects of surgery can be avoided with careful attention during the procedure.
Voice Problems
Patients can become hoarse or lose their voice following thyroid surgery, reports the American Cancer Society. This side effect, which may be permanent or temporary, occurs if nerves of the windpipe or voice box are damaged during the procedure. It can also result from irritation due to use of a breathing tube.
Compromise of Parathyroid Glands
The parathyroids are small glands near the thyroid that regulate calcium levels. If thyroid cancer is extensive, these glands are removed, reports the National Cancer Institute, requiring the patients to take calcium and vitamin D for the rest of their life.
If the parathyroid glands are damaged during surgery, the patient may feel numb or tingling or have muscle spasms, reports the American Cancer Society.
Surgical Side Effects
Complications of the surgical procedure can include too much bleeding, a blood clot or infection, reports the American Cancer Society. Patients should inform their doctor if they are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin.
Requirement for Hormone Replacement
If most or all of the thyroid gland is removed, patients will have to take replacement thyroid hormone for the rest of their life reports the Mayo Clinic. Usually doctors prescribe synthetic levothyroxine, such as Levothroid or Synthroid, which is identical to the main thyroid hormone, thyroxine, that is no longer produced by the thryoid.
