Complications of thyroid cancer include voice box paralysis, hoarseness, hormonal deficiencies, and life-threatening spread of the cancer (metastasis) to the lungs, bones, or other parts of the body.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Byetta induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Overview
In most cases, Byetta patients who are diagnosed with thyroid cancer can be cured with surgery to remove the thyroid gland. Although surgery can have serious complications (such as voice box paralysis), the cancer is unlikely to cause other major complications unless it spreads (metastasizes). Possible long-term complications include recurrence of the cancer. Patients may also need life-long check-ups, blood tests, and medical care.
Thyroid Cancer Complications
Thyroid cancer is very rare, and experts still do not know what type of thyroid cancer may be associated with Byetta. The rate of complications depends on the type of cancer, including:
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer: This affects less than 1% of people with thyroid cancer, but it is the most aggressive form. It is also most likely to cause life-threatening complications (such as spreading to other organs).
- Papillary thyroid cancer: This affects 86% of people with thyroid cancer. Fortunately, it is very slow-growing and can usually be cured with surgery before it causes life-threatening complications.
- Follicular thyroid cancer: This affects about 9% of people with thyroid cancer. It is slow-growing and usually curable.
- Medullary thyroid cancer: This is a very rare, slow-growing type of thyroid cancer that may have a hereditary link.
Thyroid Hormone Replacement
Many people who undergo surgery to remove their thyroid gland will suffer a deficiency of hormones that regulate metabolism. They will need to take supplemental thyroid hormones to suppress the growth of the thyroid gland and help regulate metabolism.
One serious complication of hormone-deficiency is hypoparathyroidism, which can occur after a thyroidectomy (total removal of the thyroid gland). The thyroid normally secretes parathyroid hormone, which is necessary for the body to maintain calcium in the bloodstream. A deficiency of this hormone can cause weakness, numbness, tingling sensations, muscle cramps, burning, and more.
Surgery Complications
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is located in the front and center of the neck. Surgery in the neck can have severe complications if a nerve is damaged, which is why it is vital to have an experienced surgeon perform any procedures in this area.
Voice Box Paralysis
One complication is voice box paralysis. The thyroid is located on top of the voice box, and nerve damage in this area can cause the following complications:
- Changes in tone of voice or speaking ability
- Noisy breathing
- Hoarseness
- Choking or coughing when swallowing food
- Inability to talk loudly
- An abnormal or “breathy” sound to the voice
- The need to take many breaths while speaking
- And more
Recurrence of Thyroid Cancer
Even with proactive treatment, including surgery to remove the thyroid gland, cancer can return. This is why patients should have periodic check-ups to look for signs that the cancer has returned. Thyroid cancer most often returns in the following areas:
- Lymph nodes (on the sides of the neck)
- In cancerous tissue that is left behind after surgery.
- In non-cancerous thyroid tissue that is not removed.
- Other organs (such as the lungs or bones)
More Information
- Symptoms of thyroid cancer
- Causes of thyroid cancer
- Diagnosis of thyroid cancer
- Treatment for thyroid cancer
Do I have a Byetta Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Byetta induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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