Shift in Treatment Outcome Valuation for Low-Risk Thyroid Cancer

Patients with low-risk thyroid cancer changed their valuation of treatment outcomes after surgical decisions, favoring quality of life factors post-treatment. Emotional impact led to overuse of total thyroidectomy. Those choosing lobectomy increased importance on risk of recurrence, while total thyroidectomy patients valued it less. Surgeons can better discuss post-surgery effects on energy levels with patients based on these changing priorities.