Impact of Postthyroidectomy Scar on the Quality of Life of Thyroid Cancer Patients

Abstract

BackgroundSurgical scars are crucial cosmetic problem, especially when in exposed areas such as the anterior neck following thyroidectomy.ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of post-thyroidectomy scars on quality of life (QoL) of thyroid cancer patients and identify the relationship between scar characteristics and QoL.MethodsPatients with post-thyroidectomy scars on the neck were recruited. QoL was measured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Scar characteristics were graded according to Vancouver scar scale (VSS) score.ResultsNinety-seven patients completed a battery of questions at the time of enrollment. Post-thyroidectomy scars were classified according to morphology as linear flat scars, linear bulging scars, hypertrophic scars or adhesive scars. There were 32 patients (33.0%), 9 patients (9.3%), 41 patients (42.3%) and 15 patients (15.5%), respectively, in each group. The mean total DLQI score was 9.02. Domain 2 (daily activities, 2.87 points), which includes questions about clothing, was the most greatly impacted among patients. The total DLQI scores of patients who have experienced scar-related symptoms were significantly higher than those of patients without symptoms (p<0.05). The VSS scores were 3.09 for linear flat scars, 6.89 for linear bulging scars, 6.29 for hypertrophic scars and 5.60 for adhesive scars. However, the DLQI scores did not significantly differ among scar types or VSS scores.ConclusionPost-thyroidectomy scars on the neck affect the QoL of thyroid cancer patients regardless of scar type. Therefore, clinicians should pay attention to the psychological effects of scars on patients and take care to minimize post-thyroidectomy scar.

Transoral robotic thyroidectomy (TORT): procedures and outcomes

“…Unfortunately, this often requires longer, more complex, more expensive techniques dependent on advanced technologies that may or may not introduce complications and risks that heretofore were not in the realm of standard thyroid surgery. While many traditional thyroid surgeons justly advocate exclusively for the transcervical approach, mounting evidence substantiates the potential quality-oflife impact of a cervical scar on a patient (1,2). This adverse effect of a cervical scar can be particularly distressing in a patient population composed largely of younger, healthy woman in a world that places excessive emphasis on physical appearance and esthetics.…”

Successful treatment of thyroidectomy scar with a pneumatic needleless injector and silicone gel

“…A transverse incision on the neck is typically used to approach the thyroid; scar formation in highly visible areas of the neck is a consequence of using this method. The mean score of the Dermatology Life Quality Index for persons who have a thyroidectomy scar is similar to the mean score of patients with psoriasis and severe atopic dermatitis (1). In this study, we report the effects of a pneumatic needleless injector and silicone gel on scar remodelling in the case of a male patient with a thyroidectomy scar.…”

Oncoplastic Thyroid Surgery Using A Bilateral Axillo-Breast Approach

“…The cosmetic superiority of absence of neck scaring is the major factor for patients to choose RT. 18 A prospective questionnaire study addressing surgical scarring and physical and psychological distress in 129 patients who underwent thyroidectomy found that the degrees of surgical scarring and psychological distress were lower in the 51 patients who underwent BABA RT than in the 78 who underwent OT. The level of physical distress, including pain and exercise limitation, however, did not differ in these two groups.…”