Streamlining Thyroidectomy Treatment with a Multidisciplinary Approach: A Case Report

Abstract

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia 2 (MEN2) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the endocrine glands and can lead to the development of tumours in the thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, and adrenal glands. Individuals with all subtypes of MEN2 syndrome {MEN2A, MEN2B, and familial Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC)} are at an increased risk of developing MTC. In the present case report, authors present the case of a 26-year-old female who presented to the Department of Surgery for family screening due to her mother’s diagnosis of MEN 2A syndrome. During the screening, a swelling was identified in the anterior neck region. The swelling was firm, non tender, and not fixed to the skin. Additionally, the patient had an elevated calcitonin level. Although the patient had no history of voice abnormalities, she occasionally experienced dysphagia. A Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) scan of the neck revealed involvement of both lobes of the thyroid gland. To confirm the diagnosis, a DOTA NOC scan (an imaging procedure involving the injection of a radiotracer dye known as DOTA and NOC, followed by Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or Computed Tomography (CT) scan and ultrasound-guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) of the thyroid were conducted. Based on the confirmed diagnosis, the patient underwent surgical management in the form of total thyroidectomy and central compartmental lymph node dissection. However, postoperatively, the patient experienced difficulty in speech and swallowing due to involvement of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve (RLN). These issues were managed through physiotherapy and speech therapy as part of a holistic approach, which proved to be crucial in improving the patient’s condition and preventing complications. Therefore, the management of thyroidectomy should adopt a patient-centric and multidisciplinary approach to enhance patient outcomes and minimise complications.

Keywords

• : physiotherapy
• swallowing strategies
• thyroid cancer
• vocal cord palsy