Thyroid nodules are lumps or bumps on the thyroid gland that are either solid or fluid-filled. They are found on your thyroid, a small yet powerful gland located in your neck. This gland produces thyroid hormone, which influences your metabolism (the internal process that converts food into energy), heart rate, and many other bodily processes. As a result, thyroid cells can sometimes develop out of control and form a lump.
Thyroid Nodule Types
- Colloid nodules: These are overgrowths of normal thyroid tissue that might be one or more in number. These growths are not harmful (not cancer). They can grow to be quite enormous, but they never expand beyond the thyroid gland.
- Thyroid cysts: These are fluid-filled or partially solid-filled growths on the thyroid.
- Inflammatory nodules: These nodules develop due to chronic (long-term) inflammation (swelling) of the thyroid gland.
- Multinodular goiter: A multinodular goiter is an enlarged thyroid (goiter) that is made up of multiple nodules (which are usually benign).
- Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules: These nodules create thyroid hormone on their own without respect for typical feedback regulation mechanisms, which can lead to hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can harm the heart and result in complications such as sudden cardiac arrest, high blood pressure, arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), osteoporosis, and other health issues.
What is the treatment for thyroid nodules?
Treatment is confined by the type of thyroid nodule. There are several therapy options available, including:
- No treatment/”watchful waiting.” If the nodules aren’t malignant, your doctor may decide that you don’t require treatment right now. However, you will visit your doctor on a regular basis to monitor the nodules for any changes.
- Radioactive iodine: Radiation therapy with radioactive iodine may be used to treat goiters and hyperactive thyroid nodules. Thyroid nodules decrease as radioactive iodine is diffused into the gland. This therapy should not be given to pregnant women or women who are attempting to become pregnant.
- Thyroid medicines: Your doctor may recommend you to use an antithyroid drug to alleviate hyperthyroidism symptoms in some circumstances. However, treatment is typically long-term and can have significant adverse effects on your liver, so it’s critical to explore the risks and advantages of the treatment with your doctor.
- Alcohol ablation: Alcohol ablation is another treatment option for certain tiny malignant tumors. A small amount of alcohol is injected into it to kill the malignant thyroid nodule. Several treatment sessions are frequently required.
- Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation (Most effective among all): Thyroid Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as a new therapeutic method for symptomatic thyroid nodule(s) as a less invasive procedure in recent years. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a percutaneous process that causes thermal necrosis and fibrosis of tissue. The nodules diminish as a result of this procedure.
Moreover, radiofrequency waves are used in Thyroid RFA to heat up thyroid nodules. Doctors can accurately apply radiofrequency waves to the targeted tissue using ultrasound imaging. Outpatient procedures are performed utilizing either local anesthetics or conscious sedation anesthesia. The treatment is a non-surgical, minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that practically allows patients to resume normal daily activities the same day.
Thyroid nodule radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a viable therapy option for many people with symptomatic benign thyroid nodules as an alternative to surgical procedures such as thyroidectomy or lobectomy. If you have thyroid nodule symptoms but do not want surgery, you may be a candidate for Thyroid RFA and should speak with your endocrinologist about it today.
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.
