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Thyroid nodules are a lump or mass of cells on the thyroid gland. In the majority of the cases, the nodules are small, asymptomatic, and often discovered by the doctor on routine medical examination or during a scanning done for other health reasons. The incidence of thyroid nodules is very common in adults and is detected in about 5-7% of adults during routine physical examination and in about 20-75% of adults during ultrasound scanning. However, thyroid nodules in children are less common.
Although a very common finding, most often, in fact almost 95% of the thyroid nodules are benign, meaning the nodules do not have any cancer cells, do not cause any symptoms, or require any treatment. However, in some cases, treatment may be required when the glands may grow and become visibly large interfering with breathing and swallowing, may cause hoarseness of voice or pain in the neck, and may lead to enlargement of the thyroid gland (a condition medically known as goitre).
So What Should One Do About Such Nodules?
If you notice that your thyroid nodule is growing in size or if you start experiencing any symptoms, it is recommended that you consult your doctor immediately for a suitable treatment. Based on a detailed assessment your doctor might suggest, anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery. In recent times, a new treatment option called ultrasound-guided Radiofrequency Ablation (US-guided RFA) of the thyroid gland is emerging as the treatment of choice for thyroid nodules.
Consult the best hospital for interventional radiology in Sarjapur Road Bangalore to get treatment for thyroid nodules.
What Happens in Ablation?
US-guided thyroid RFA is a minimally invasive procedure. During the procedure a specialist called Interventional Radiologist uses a pinhole technique to direct a special needle into the nodule under ultrasound guidance and then deposit heat energy within the nodule, to dissolve the nodule and eventually kill the nodule completely. There is a considerable reduction or shrinkage in the nodule size immediately after the procedure. The heatwaves deposited in the nodule continue to dissolve the remaining nodule (if any) over the next few days.
Why is US Guided Thyroid RFA Preferred Over Conventional Thyroid Surgery?
Conventional thyroid surgery is an invasive procedure and involves the risk of post-surgical complications. Whereas, in US-guided thyroid RFA, as it is a minimally invasive procedure, the whole procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and mild intravenous sedation. Moreover, since the procedure involves the insertion of the special needle through the pinhole technique the procedure is painless or causes minimal pain and likewise causes nil to minimal scarring. Also, it helps avoid the risk of complications that may arise due to conventional surgery.
Does US-guided Thyroid RFA Need Hospital Admission?
Although the procedure can be done as a daycare procedure, in some cases one-day admission may be required for insurance purposes. You will be discharged the same evening of the procedure and back to normal chores from the next day itself. Most patients resume work in a couple of days and this makes it very patient-friendly.
Is US Guided Thyroid RFA Effective?
The results of ablation for thyroid nodules are very encouraging and this has certainly been an important development in the field of modern medical care. Our team at Manipal Hospitals have started this new procedure in the last 18 months and now has an experience of over 40 cases with good results and patient feedback has been very positive based on the last patient questionnaire data collected.
Consult an interventional radiologist in Bangalore for the best treatment and care for thyroid nodules.
FAQs
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Is US-guided thyroid RFA better than surgery?
Yes. US-guided thyroid RFA is better than surgery as:
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It is minimally invasive, safe, and leaves minimal or no scars.
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The recovery time is faster.
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Does not cause complications as in thyroid surgery.
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Do I need to be sedated or unconscious during the procedure?
No, since US-guided RFA is a minimally invasive procedure it is done under local anaesthesia and mild intravenous sedatives. You will not require any general anaesthesia and you will be conscious throughout the procedure.
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When can I resume routine and work after the procedure?
The recovery time in US-guided thyroid ablation is very short. Most often you will be discharged on the same day unless you are required to stay for a day in the hospital for insurance claims. Post-discharge you can resume your routine and work in a day or two.
