post surgery problems

[concernedsibling]

My sister had her thyroid removed last year because of papillary cancer which spread onto her lymph nodes and voice cord. After the iodine treatment she became free of cancer. After a couple of months post surgery she was able to breath and eat on her own and the doctor decide that it was time to remove her feeding tube and close the incision in her neck. Three days after the surgery (to close the incision) she started having difficulty breathing. Her doctor had to do an emergency tracheotomy because there was an inflammation (not cancerous) in her throat. It’s been 6 months and the inflammation is still there. The doctor says that he is not sure why it’s there and recommends either leaving the trach in or performing another surgery to remove the inflammation. He can not guarantee that the surgery would work. My sister is very depressed and I wanted to know if anyone experienced such problem and what was the outcome. Thanks in advance.

[concernedsibling]

Thanks for your answer.Can you recommend a good specialist in New Jersey? We have trouble finding someone for a second opinion.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Would consider a second opinion but the trach may simply be inflammation (less likely hidden cancer) and this suggestion may be the best option.  I would be inclined to go to a university based ENT specialist (particularly one with a strong thyroid cancer program) and have another evaluation.  This is not common with thyroid cancer, but does happen.