Quality of Life, Thyroid Function and Type of Surgery in Low Risk Thyroid Cancer

Abstract

Background: Low risk thyroid cancer can be treated with lobectomy or total thyroidectomy. Studies have shown that the risk of recurrence does not differ between the two surgeries, although there are higher rates of complications with total thyroidectomy. Our study aimed to find if there were differences in quality of life and thyroid function in the two treatments. Methods: Low risk DTC survivors answered three QoL questionnaires (EQ5D3L, SF36, and EORTC QLQ C30) and had their thyroid function evaluated. Results: Twenty-six lobectomy patients and 101 total thyroidectomy were included. Hypoparathyroidism occurred more in the total thyroidectomy, and TSH was more likely to be on target (0.5-2.0) in lobectomy. There was no difference between groups regarding QoL, but there was a significant difference regarding thyroid function. In SF36 form, TSH off target led to more physical limitations, pain, less vitality, and worse social aspects. Abnormal total T3 level was associated with pain, less vitality, and worse mental health. In the EORTC QLQ C30, off target TSH led to worse role functioning, fatigue, and nausea. EQ5D form showed that worse utility index was found when TT3 was not in normal range. Conclusion: This study showed there was a difference among thyroid function, specially TSH depending on type of surgery. When uncontrolled, TSH was associated with worse aspects of the quality of life. Therefore, lobectomy patients have a better thyroid function control and less surgical complications which might have an impact in some aspects of the quality of life when compared to total thyroidectomy.