Treating Thyroid Nodules Without Surgery: An Insightful Discussion with Dr. Vaninder Dhillon
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The thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ in the neck, is known to develop nodules or growths. While these nodules are often benign, they can sometimes cause cosmetic concerns or other symptoms for patients. Traditionally, surgical removal was the primary solution. But a revolutionary alternative, thyroid ablation, offers a less invasive approach, preserving both the thyroid gland and its functions.
In a recent episode of the Doctor Thyroid podcast, Philip James interviewed Dr. Vaninder Dhillon, a reputed professional from Johns Hopkins, to delve deep into thyroid ablation and what patients can expect post-treatment.
A Non-Surgical Solution: Thyroid Ablation
Thyroid ablation is a minimally invasive treatment targeting the thyroid nodule directly. The most common type of ablation used is radiofrequency ablation, which employs a specific type of energy to address the nodule without affecting the rest of the thyroid gland.
Unlike surgeries where parts of the gland might need to be removed, causing hormonal disruptions, ablation offers the benefit of not depriving patients of their thyroid or its hormones.
The Journey of Nodule Reduction
Dr. Dhillon explained that while the treatment does not make the nodule vanish instantly, the goal is to reduce its size and volume significantly. Using radiofrequency ablation, patients can expect a volume reduction of 60 to 80 percent within six months of the treatment, especially for nodules less than 20 milliliters cubed in size.
However, it’s crucial to note that the timeline and effectiveness may vary based on the nodule’s initial size and location. Anatomical considerations also play a vital role in the treatment process.
Addressing Both Benign and Malignant Nodules
While the guidelines discussed focus primarily on benign nodules, the treatment is also a consideration for malignant nodules, especially if the patient has recurrent disease or is at high risk for another surgery.
The Follow-up
Post-ablation, patients typically return to Dr. Dhillon’s office at intervals of one month, three months, six months, and a year. These follow-ups ensure that the volume of the nodule is reducing and that the thyroid hormone levels remain stable.
Rapid-Fire Takeaways
Dr. Dhillon stressed the importance of patients understanding that the primary goal of ablation is to reduce the size of the nodule over the long term. The treatment provides an excellent alternative for patients, offering them the opportunity to direct treatment to specific nodules without the risks or uncertainties linked with surgical procedures.