Should I abstain from chicken after thyroid cancer surgery?

I just had my thyroid removed to treat cancer. Should I abstain from chicken because I read a lot of information that chicken causes keloids? (Hong Thom, 45 years old, Can Tho)

Reply:

Wound healing occurs in three phases, including inflammation, cell proliferation, and tissue remodeling. The three phases last approximately 3-6 months.

Scar formation depends on the extent of the injury and the healing process. If all factors involved in the wound healing process are favorable, the wound leaves a small and faint scar. Conversely, the wound can form an unsightly scar (hypertrophic scar, keloid scar, atrophic scar).

There are many causes of hypertrophic scars such as infection, foreign objects, and dirt in the wound. Injuries that are not treated properly can also easily form hypertrophic scars. Keloids are often due to the body's constitution, even if the wound is treated and cared for properly, there is still a high risk of keloid scars.

Chicken meat contains a lot of protein, vitamins and minerals, easy to digest and absorb. Supplementing enough protein every day helps patients improve their health, fight fatigue and physical decline. Currently, there is no research proving that eating chicken causes keloids.

Chicken is rich in protein, protein is good for health. Photo: Anh Chi

After thyroid cancer surgery, patients should eat a variety of foods to ensure nutrition for wound healing, health recovery, strengthening the immune system, and preventing infection.

Patients do not need to abstain from any foods. In cases where radioactive iodine treatment is required, foods containing iodine such as iodized salt, seafood, and cabbage should not be consumed before and during radioactive iodine treatment. After radiation therapy, patients should eat normally but should limit iodized salt because excess iodine increases the risk of thyroid cancer recurrence.

During the first week after thyroid cancer surgery, the patient's neck may be swollen, stiff, and numb. This condition will decrease as the wound heals and scabs close. When the neck is sore, you should eat soft, easy-to-swallow foods. If swallowing is difficult, you can drink plenty of water during and after meals.

Avoid swimming after this surgery. Because the wound needs to be kept dry for 7-14 days for the healing process to be smooth. Limit contact sports, using a lot of force such as soccer, volleyball, basketball... for about a month to avoid the wound in the neck from coming loose, stretching and cracking.

To prevent hypertrophic scars and limit keloid scars, patients should wash the wound with saline or antiseptic solution, remove foreign objects (hair, fur...). Do not bandage the wound tightly or loosely. If the wound is abnormal or you are not confident, you should see a surgeon immediately for proper care.

Master, Doctor CKII Doan Minh Trong
Head and Neck Unit, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

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