A Rare Cause of Vocal Cord Palsy due to Small Thyroid Nodule

Thyroid lesion is strongly associated with recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. It is because of the close anatomical relationship between the gland on the trachea and the nerve which lies in the tracheoesophageal groove. The recurrent laryngeal nerve can be affected either from the thyroid disease itself or as the complication of thyroidectomy. However, benign thyroid lesion rarely causes recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. We report a case of a small thyroid nodule causing unilateral vocal cord palsy. After lobectomy, the voice improved but due to the compensation mechanism of the opposite side. As the nerve was found to be atrophic intraoperatively, recovery should be allowed if it is going to take place, in a long period of time.