Supportive care for parathyroid cancer
Supportive care helps people meet the physical, practical, emotional and spiritual challenges of parathyroid cancer. It is an important part of cancer care. There are many programs and services available to help meet the needs and improve the quality of life of people living with cancer and their loved ones, especially after treatment has ended.
Adjusting to life after treatment is different for everyone. Your recovery will depend on many different factors, including the number of parathyroid glands removed and the type of treatment. The end of cancer treatment may bring mixed emotions. Even though treatment has ended, you may have other issues to deal with, such as coping with long-term side effects.
If you have been treated for parathyroid cancer, you may have the following concern.
Vocal cord paralysis
Vocal cord paralysis is when the
Vocal cord paralysis can cause problems with speaking, breathing and swallowing. Signs and symptoms of vocal cord paralysis include:
- hoarseness
- breathy voice
- high-pitched sounds during breathing (called stridor)
- difficulty breathing
- coughing or choking when swallowing food or drink
A speech-language pathologist (also called a speech therapist) can assess and help manage speech problems. They can teach you ways to improve your voice and cope with any changes in your voice.
You may be offered surgery to improve the function of the vocal cords and the airway.
Questions to ask about supportive care
To make decisions that are right for you, ask your healthcare team questions about supportive care.
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