Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy secondary to benign thyroid disease.

A recurrent nerve palsy occurring in the presence of a goitre is considered to be caused by thyroid malignancy until proven otherwise. Three cases are described in which benign thyroid disease resulted in recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis. Recent haemorrhage was implicated histologically as the possible aetiology in all three cases. The importance of identifying and preserving the recurrent laryngeal nerve in the surgical management is highlighted.