The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that control the body’s metabolic rate, which affects everything from heart and muscle to brain development and bone health. It helps in the regulation of multiple body systems by continuously releasing a consistent amount of thyroid hormones in the body. When the body requires extra energy in specific situations, such as when it is maturing, sick, or pregnant, the thyroid gland produces increased hormones.
What issues might the improperly working thyroid gland cause?
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid. Thyroxine production by the thyroid is reduced. Because of this, the pituitary gland is stimulated to send thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to the bloodstream to make the thyroid gland create more hormones.
Hypothyroidism’s Common Symptoms Include:
- Weight gain
- Coldness
- Dry skin, hair, and nails
- Tiredness
Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive thyroid. Thyroid hormone is produced in excess by the thyroid gland, and the pituitary gland reduces TSH levels in the blood.
The following symptoms characterize hyperthyroidism:
- Heat intolerance
- Jitteriness or irritability
- Rapid heart rate
- Weight loss without dieting
- Muscle weakness and fatigue
Nodules
Thyroid nodules can be solid or cystic in nature (fluid-filled). If you have nodules, your thyroid will usually function normally. The majority of nodules are not malignant. However, your doctor may obtain a sample of the cells in the nodule. This is referred to as fine-needle aspiration. This sample will be checked to ensure that there are no cancer cells present.
Goiter
Thyroid enlargement is referred to as a goiter. You may notice edema or enlargement in your neck. It may enlarge as your thyroid attempts to produce more thyroid hormone. Furthermore, with hyperthyroidism, the cells develop quicker, causing the thyroid to expand and produce more thyroid hormone than the body requires.
What Exactly is a Thyroidectomy?
Thyroidectomy is the surgical extraction of the entire or a portion of the thyroid gland. Thyroidectomy is just one of several thyroid disease treatments. For example, thyroidectomy may be required to remove a big goiter or nodule. Surgery may also be needed to remove a hyperthyroid gland that cannot be controlled medically and treat thyroid cancer.
Thyroid RFA – An Alternative To Thyroidectomy
In some patients with thyroid nodules, Thyroid RFA is a minimally invasive therapy option administered by interventional radiology that can be used instead of surgery. Using ultrasound guidance, a tiny needle electrode is placed into the thyroid nodule during this therapy. The heat produced by the needle tip kills the targeted tissue(s).
What are the indications for thyroid nodule RFA?
Thyroid nodule RFA is most commonly used to treat biopsy-proven benign, solid (or predominantly solid) thyroid nodules that cause pressure or cosmetic issues. Alcohol ablation is more effective in treating thyroid nodules that are mostly cystic or fluid-filled.
Small primary or recurrent thyroid tumors that are not found near sensitive thyroid structures can be treated with Thyroid RFA in individuals who choose to forgo surgery or who are not excellent surgical candidates due to other concurrent medical issues. A multidisciplinary panel of specialists decides if Thyroid RFA is an appropriate treatment on a case-by-case basis.
Benefits of Thyroid RFA
Clinical trials involving RFA for benign thyroid nodules have shown a reduction in size by 51-85% within the first six months. In most patients, nodule-related symptoms were significantly improved or had disappeared. Similar results were seen for thyroid function, such as normalizing blood-hormone levels for patients that presented with a toxic hormone-producing thyroid nodule.
Other benefits of Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation treatments are:
- A minimally-invasive procedure
- Preserves your healthy thyroid tissue and allows it to function normally without the need for a lifetime of medication
- Performed under local anesthesia as an out-patient procedure (no downtime or hospitalization)
- Shorter recovery time
- No visible scarring
- Reduced the volume of the nodule with a low complication rate
- Improves quality of life
As a result, we can claim that in facilities with the necessary experience, this procedure may become a viable option for treating benign big toxic, and nontoxic thyroid nodules. RGS Healthcare helps medical practitioners and healthcare systems by embracing life-transforming technologies to provide diverse medical equipment that is crucial to your clinical needs. If you’re looking for comprehensive, value-driven medical equipment, our ten years of experience and insights will meet your clinical and budgetary needs. Contact us today for your consultation.
Disclaimer: None of the information posted is intended as medical, legal, or business advice, or advice about reimbursement for health care services.
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