Pharyngolaryngeal symptoms associated with thyroid disease

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Endocrinology
• Thyroid disease diagnostics and treatment

Background:

• Thyroid disorders, including thyroiditis, goiter, and nodules, can lead to compressive symptoms affecting the pharynx and larynx.
• Nerve involvement, such as recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis due to malignant or benign thyroid nodules, causes vocal cord paralysis and hoarseness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize existing literature on laryngopharyngeal symptoms associated with thyroid disease.
• To specifically examine pharyngolaryngeal symptoms occurring after uncomplicated thyroidectomy, a significant concern in otolaryngology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of previous reports on thyroid disease and its impact on the pharyngolaryngeal region.
• Focus on studies detailing symptoms after thyroidectomy, differentiating between nerve injury and non-nerve injury cases.

Main Results:

• Thyroid enlargement can cause compressive pharyngolaryngeal symptoms.
• Thyroidectomy can lead to symptoms due to superior or recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.
• Emerging evidence highlights post-thyroidectomy syndrome, where symptoms like globus sensation and voice changes occur without nerve damage.

Conclusions:

• Thyroid disorders present with diverse pharyngolaryngeal symptoms, including hoarseness and compressive issues.
• Laryngeal nerve injury remains a primary cause of post-thyroidectomy pharyngolaryngeal symptoms.
• Post-thyroidectomy syndrome, distinct from nerve injury, is an increasingly recognized clinical entity requiring further investigation.