Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are lumps that form within the thyroid, a gland located at the base of the neck. Although most thyroid nodules are not harmful and do not require treatment, some may be large enough to cause discomfort in breathing or swallowing. In only a small percentage of cases are thyroid nodules a sign of thyroid cancer, in which case the nodule or the entire thyroid gland has to be removed.

Diagnosis

As thyroid nodules are usually so small that you do not experience any symptoms, medical attention is necessary when you experience any swelling in the neck or have difficulty breathing or swallowing.

The doctor will diagnose the problem by first undertaking a physical examination to observe the movement of your thyroid glands. A blood test will also be done to check the levels of thyroid hormone in your body, as the presence of thyroid nodules can stimulate production of such hormones. If thyroid hormone levels are high, the doctor may conduct an ultrasound to observe the shape and structure of the nodules.

To ensure that the nodules are not cancerous, the doctor may also conduct a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy where a sample of cells is collected to distinguish whether the cells are benign or malignant. The doctor may also recommend a thyroid scan where radioactive iodine is injected in your vein to assess how well the thyroid gland is functioning.




Reference information: www.genesis-surgery.com

The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult Surgery Specialist before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above

Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are lumps that form within the thyroid, a gland located at the base of the neck. Although most thyroid nodules are not harmful and do not require treatment, some may be large enough to cause discomfort in breathing or swallowing. In only a small percentage of cases are thyroid nodules a sign of thyroid cancer, in which case the nodule or the entire thyroid gland has to be removed.

Diagnosis

As thyroid nodules are usually so small that you do not experience any symptoms, medical attention is necessary when you experience any swelling in the neck or have difficulty breathing or swallowing.

The doctor will diagnose the problem by first undertaking a physical examination to observe the movement of your thyroid glands. A blood test will also be done to check the levels of thyroid hormone in your body, as the presence of thyroid nodules can stimulate production of such hormones. If thyroid hormone levels are high, the doctor may conduct an ultrasound to observe the shape and structure of the nodules.

To ensure that the nodules are not cancerous, the doctor may also conduct a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy where a sample of cells is collected to distinguish whether the cells are benign or malignant. The doctor may also recommend a thyroid scan where radioactive iodine is injected in your vein to assess how well the thyroid gland is functioning.




Reference information: www.genesis-surgery.com

The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult Surgery Specialist before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above

Thyroid Nodules - Treatment

Since most thyroid nodules do not cause significant problems, the doctor may recommend regular follow-ups by physical examination and ultrasound tests to monitor the size of the nodules and function of the thyroid gland. The doctor may also prescribe medication as a part of thyroid hormone suppression therapy, although scientific evidence has been inconclusive as to its effectiveness in shrinking thyroid nodules. If the thyroid nodules are diagnosed to be causing hyperthyroidism, the doctor may also prescribe radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications to cause symptoms to subside.


Surgery may also be undertaken in cases where the nodule is so large that causes trouble breathing or swallowing, or where the nodules are found to be cancerous. However, surgery is done under general anesthesia and necessarily comes with the risk of complications.


Thermal ablation ( by either laser or radiofrequency) is an alternative method of treatment that is minimally invasive and has been proven to significantly reduce the volume size of thyroid nodules. According to published studies by Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Italy in 2003, patients experienced a 50% decrease in nodule volume size in six months, and a 60% decrease in two year, using Laser ablation. Another study by Dr. Baek from Asan Medical Centre, Korea in 2012 had showed that up to 90% reduction in the volume of the thyroid nodule can be achieved at 6 months, using radiofrequency ablation. Thermal ablation, using laser or radiofrequency, is a relatively safe procedure as there is no need for general anesthesia and complications are rare. Normal thyroid tissue is preserved during the treatment and the risk of hypothyroidism after treatment is very low.




Reference information: www.genesis-surgery.com

The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult Surgery Specialist before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above

Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are lumps that form within the thyroid, a gland located at the base of the neck. Although most thyroid nodules are not harmful and do not require treatment, some may be large enough to cause discomfort in breathing or swallowing. In only a small percentage of cases are thyroid nodules a sign of thyroid cancer, in which case the nodule or the entire thyroid gland has to be removed.

Diagnosis

As thyroid nodules are usually so small that you do not experience any symptoms, medical attention is necessary when you experience any swelling in the neck or have difficulty breathing or swallowing.

The doctor will diagnose the problem by first undertaking a physical examination to observe the movement of your thyroid glands. A blood test will also be done to check the levels of thyroid hormone in your body, as the presence of thyroid nodules can stimulate production of such hormones. If thyroid hormone levels are high, the doctor may conduct an ultrasound to observe the shape and structure of the nodules.

To ensure that the nodules are not cancerous, the doctor may also conduct a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy where a sample of cells is collected to distinguish whether the cells are benign or malignant. The doctor may also recommend a thyroid scan where radioactive iodine is injected in your vein to assess how well the thyroid gland is functioning.




Reference information: www.genesis-surgery.com

The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult Surgery Specialist before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above