Time Heals Most Wounds- Perceptions of Thyroidectomy Scars in Patients With Thyroid Cancer

Background: Patients understandably have concerns about thyroidectomy scars. This study aimed to characterize patients' perceptions of their thyroidectomy scar before and up to 1-y after surgery. Methods: Patients with papillary thyroid cancer ( n = 83) completed semi-structured interviews before and at 2-wks, 6-Wk, 6-mo, and 1-y post-thyroidectomy. Interviews probed about scar concerns and appearance. Content analysis was used to identify themes. Results: The majority of participants did not express concerns about scar appearance. When expressed, preoperative concerns often stemmed from previous surgery experiences or unease with neck incisions. Postoperatively, concerns about scar appearance decreased over time throughout the healing period with most patients being satisfied with their scar appearance by 6-mo after surgery. Conclusions: Patients with papillary thyroid cancer express few concerns about scar thyroidectomy appearance. Surgeons can reassure patients who have preoperative concerns that most patients are satisfied with their scar appearance by 6-mo after surgery. (c) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Most patients with papillary thyroid cancer have minimal concerns about the appearance of their thyroidectomy scar, with preoperative concerns often stemming from previous surgery experiences or unease with neck incisions. Concerns about scar appearance decrease over time throughout the healing period, with the majority of patients being satisfied with their scar appearance by 6 months after surgery.