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Care of the Client Undergoing Surgery for Thyroid Cancer

Care of the Client Undergoing Surgery for Thyroid Cancer. Objective. The learner will be able to identify the primary oncologic thyroid conditions and surgical interventions. Thyroid. Several types:

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Care of the Client Undergoing Surgery for Thyroid Cancer

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  1. Care of the Client Undergoing Surgery for Thyroid Cancer

  2. Objective The learner will be able to identify the primary oncologic thyroid conditions and surgical interventions.

  3. Thyroid Several types: • Papillary—The majority of thyroid cancers in the U.S.; if found early, can usually be cured • Follicular—Grows slowly • Medullary—Grows slowly • Anaplastic—Grows and spreads quickly

  4. Thyroid Cancer:Description and Risk Factors Thyroid cancer: • Includes the most common and curable types, papillary and follicular • Has a worse prognosis if medullary and a poor prognosis if anaplastic Risk factors: • Exposure to radiation—High-dose medical treatment or radiation fallout • Family history—Medullary thyroid cancer can run in families; family history of goiters • Personal history—Goiters; female; over age 45 • Dietary iodine—May play a role in risk but research is inconclusive

  5. Thyroid Cancer: Symptoms • Early-stage disease is often asymptomatic. • Later stages: • Lump in the neck • Hoarseness • Dysphagia • Pain • Shortness of breath

  6. Thyroid Cancer: Treatment • Many options exist depending on type of thyroid disease, size of tumor, stage of disease, and age of the individual. • Surgery is most common treatment. • Necessitates lifelong thyroid hormone replacement • Parathyroid glands often removed with lifelong calcium and vitamin D supplements • Adjuvant treatment may include internal (radioactive iodine) or external radiation therapy.

  7. Thyroid Cancer:Postoperative Nursing Management Acute postoperative priorities: • Airway management—Tracheostomy tray at bedside; risk of laryngospasm, stridor, and edema causing tracheal obstruction • Vital sign management—Pulse oximetry • Hemorrhage risk • Pain management Ongoing concerns: • Voice rest (humidified air) • Education regarding dietary and hormonal supplements • Postoperative exercises to improve neck range of motion

  8. References National Cancer Institute. (2012). Thyroid cancer. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/thyroid/HealthProfessional National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2012). NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Thyroid carcinoma [v.2.2012]. Retrieved from http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/thyroid.pdf

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