Thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within your thyroid, a small gland located at the base of your neck. 90% of the thyroid nodules are benign (non-cancerous), Solid nodules are far more likely to be cancerous. Even though thyroid nodule may be non-cancerous (benign), it is always advisable to see an expert advice.
Cause of Thyroid Nodules
- Deficiency of iodine
- Overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue
- Fluid-filled cavities or cysts in thyroid
- Thyroiditis or chronic inflammation of the thyroid
- Multinodular goiter
- Thyroid cancer
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (is a form of chronic inflammation that can damage the thyroid, reducing its ability to produce hormones.)
Symptoms of Thyroid Nodule
Most thyroid nodules don't cause signs or symptoms. However occasionally some nodules become so large that they can:
- Be felt
- Compress on your windpipe or esophagus, causing shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing
- Seen as a swelling at the base of your neck
Diagnosis of Thyroid nodule
- Medical history and physical examination: The doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, medical history, and any risk factors for thyroid nodules. They will also perform a physical examination to check for any visible or palpable nodules in your neck.
- Thyroid function tests: Blood tests, such as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (T4) levels, help assess the overall function of the thyroid gland. Abnormal levels can indicate an underlying thyroid condition.
- Ultrasound imaging: An ultrasound scan of the thyroid gland provides detailed images of the nodule's size, shape, and characteristics. Ultrasound can help differentiate between solid nodules, which are more likely to be cancerous, and fluid-filled cysts.
- Fine needle aspiration (FNA): If the nodule appears suspicious or has certain characteristics, a biopsy may be recommended. This procedure involves using a thin needle to extract cells from the nodule, which are then examined under a microscope. FNAB helps determine if the nodule is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
- Additional imaging tests: In some cases, additional imaging tests like a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be ordered to provide more detailed information about the nodule or to evaluate the extent of the disease.
Thyroidectomy
Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of part of the thyroid gland (Partial thyroidectomy or lobectomy) or all of the thyroid gland (Total thyroidectomy). Thyroidectomy is typically performed under general anesthesia, and the surgeon makes an incision in the front of the neck and removes appropriate portion of the thyroid gland. Following a thyroidectomy, patients may need to take synthetic thyroid hormone medication to replace the hormones that the thyroid gland would normally produce. This medication helps maintain the body's metabolism and overall health. Thyroidectomy may be recommended for various reasons, including:
- Thyroid cancer: If thyroid cancer is diagnosed, a thyroidectomy is often performed to remove the cancerous tissue. The extent of the surgery depends on the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other structures.
- Benign thyroid nodules: Large or symptomatic benign thyroid nodules that cause difficulty in breathing, swallowing, or speaking may require thyroidectomy for relief of symptoms.
- Hyperthyroidism: In cases of severe hyperthyroidism, when medications or other treatments fail to control the overactive thyroid gland, a total thyroidectomy may be considered as a definitive treatment option.
- Graves' disease: This autoimmune disorder can cause an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). In some cases, a thyroidectomy is recommended if medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or other treatments are not effective or not well-tolerated.
Why to choose Microwave ablation for thyroid nodules over other surgery
- Minimally Invasive: MWA is a minimally invasive procedure that typically involves inserting a thin needle directly into the thyroid nodule under ultrasound guidance. This means it can be performed without the need for a large cut, reducing trauma to surrounding tissues and potentially leading to shorter recovery times compared to surgery.
- Preserve of Thyroid Function: Unlike surgery, which may involve partial or total removal of the thyroid gland, MWA allows for the preservation of more healthy thyroid tissue. This can help maintain thyroid function, potentially avoiding the need for lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
- Reduced Risk of Complications: MWA is associated with a lower risk of certain complications compared to surgery, such as damage to nearby structures like the recurrent laryngeal nerve (which controls vocal cord function) and the parathyroid glands (which regulate calcium levels). Additionally, there is typically a lower risk of bleeding and infection with MWA compared to surgery.
- Suitability for High-Risk Patients: MWA may be particularly suitable for patients who are considered high-risk for surgery due to factors such as advanced age, underlying medical conditions, or other factors that increase surgical risks.
- Localized Treatment: MWA can be targeted directly at the thyroid nodule, allowing for precise destruction of the nodule while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This targeted approach may lead to effective nodule shrinkage or elimination while minimizing damage to nearby structures.
- Day care Procedure: Patients may not need to stay overnight in the hospital. This can contribute to overall convenience and reduced healthcare costs.
- Less Invasive Recovery: Recovery from MWA is often faster and involves less discomfort compared to surgery. Patients may experience minimal post-procedure pain and can usually resume normal activities relatively quickly.
Consult your nearby Intervention radiologist or us for more information.
Benefits of Microwave ablation in Thyroid nodules
- Pin Hole Surgery – No big cut or scar on your neck
- Precise and controlled treatment – no damage to surrounding tissues
- Day care procedure – no long hospital stays
- Done under local anesthesia – patient remains awake while the treatment
- Preserves thyroid function – no need to take lifelong medication
- Quick recovery time – resume normal work from next day
For more information consult a Intervention Radiologist or us.
