# Thyroid Cancer --- **Thyroid cancer** is a [[cancer]] of the [[thyroid]]. ## Risk Factors - childhood radiation treatments to head/neck/chest ## Signs & Symptoms The signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer are: - lesions- single, hard, fixed on palpation - associated with cervical lymphadenopathy - they do a biopsy for this ## Treatment - **thyroidectomy** or a surgical removal of the thyroid - Spare parathyroid tissue- to reduce post-op hypocalcemia and tetany (monitor) - Started on thyroid replacement after surgery (TSH monitoring) - Fully eradicate microscopic disease - RAI - External radiation - Monitor for side effects of RAI/radiation- dry mouth, stomatitis, dysphagia, neck sore - Avoid coffee, tea, cola, and other stimulants - teach how to support neck with hands to prevent incisional stress-raise elbows and placing hands behind neck - Assess surgical dressings and reinforce dressings as needed (not too much pressure) - Monitor HR and BP for signs of bleeding, in addition to feelings of fullness at site - Trach kit at bedside for airway management. Watch for hoarseness of voice! - 02, IVF, Semi-Fowlers with head elevated/ supported with pillows - Water once bowel tones resume - Pt should avoid talking - Complications - Airway-hematoma, hemorrhage, edema of glottis, injury to laryngeal nerve and [[hypocalcemia]] ___