Most patients are discharged one to two days following surgery, although some may stay in the hospital for up to a week. Typically, recovery from thyroid surgery is quite rapid. Patients should not participate in vigorous sports or heavy lifting for at least 10 days. They should be able to resume all normal activities within a few weeks.

After thyroidectomy some patients receive radioactive iodine therapy to ensure that any remaining cancer cells are treated. Because one of the functions of the thyroid gland is to absorb iodine, iodine that has been made radioactive is drawn to any remaining thyroid cells. This treatment helps to eradicate any microscopic cancer cells that may not have been identified by other methods. Radioactive iodine after surgery is the standard treatment for follicular thyroid cancer.

Once the thyroid gland has been removed, patients will need to take thyroid hormone replacement pills for the rest of their lives. This medication supplies the body with the thyroid hormone usually produced by the body’s natural thyroid. It also suppresses the pituitary gland’s production of the substance TSH, which signals the thyroid to manufacture hormones. High levels of TSH can stimulate the growth of any remaining cancer cells.

Patients will need blood tests every few months to evaluate thyroid hormone levels. This will help ensure that they are receiving optimal levels of thyroid replacement hormone.

Too much thyroid hormone can produce the following symptoms:

• Weight loss
• Palpitations
• Tremors
• Sensitivity to heat
• Nervousness
• Osteoporosis
• Frequent bowel movements

Too little thyroid hormone can produce the following symptoms:

• Weight gain
• Sensitivity to cold
• Weakness or fatigue
• Joint or muscle pain
• Dry skin and hair