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Advancements in Radio Frequency Treatment for Large Thyroid Nodules: Improving Symptoms and Preserving Thyroid Function

“Radio Frequency Thermal” Treatment Improves Symptoms of Large Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid Radiofrequency Thermotherapy Offers Relief for Uncomfortable Symptoms

In a groundbreaking procedure known as thyroid radiofrequency thermotherapy, doctors can now reduce the size of large thyroid nodules that cause uncomfortable symptoms. This minimally invasive treatment involves the insertion of a special needle into the thyroid nodule, resulting in a reduction of its size. Patients who struggle with a swollen neck or experience daily discomfort due to a lump in their thyroid gland can now opt for this treatment, which not only aims to alleviate their symptoms but also preserves thyroid function.

The Pros and Cons of Radiofrequency Therapy

Compared to traditional thyroid surgery, radiofrequency treatment offers several advantages. It does not require general anesthesia and does not necessitate a neck skin incision. However, it is important to note that this treatment does not remove the lump completely and may require additional sessions to prevent its regrowth. Therefore, patients must carefully consider the pros and cons of general surgery versus radiofrequency treatment before making a decision. It is essential for doctors to present unbiased information and for patients to fully understand all aspects of the treatments before making their choice.

Treating Benign Thyroid Nodules with Precision

Thyroid radiofrequency treatment targets benign thyroid nodules to provide safe and effective results. Prior to undergoing this treatment, a biopsy is conducted to rule out thyroid cancer or neoplasms. In most cases, multiple biopsies are performed to confirm the benign nature of the nodule. Once the diagnosis is determined, radiofrequency treatment is considered for thyroid nodules that cause symptoms, with the expectation of symptom improvement through the reduction of nodule size. However, small nodules without noticeable symptoms are not suitable for radiofrequency treatment unless there is a clear pattern of continuous growth during follow-up.

An In-depth Diagnosis Process

In many cases, radiofrequency treatment is not feasible during the diagnosis process. It is vital to thoroughly follow the principles and steps of the diagnosis process, as this may lead to more patients being unable to receive high-frequency treatment compared to those who can. In situations where surgery is deemed more appropriate, patients are advised to undergo the surgical procedure confidently. If treatment is not immediately necessary, regular follow-up evaluations are recommended. It is crucial for individuals seeking treatment plans for thyroid nodules to choose hospitals and doctors who follow evidence-based practices that truly benefit the patients.

Written by Medical Journalist Director Haidak Woojin Jo (Otorhinolaryngologist)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article may differ from those of Haidak. ©All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or redistributed without permission from Haidak.

Haidak Medical Journalist Director, Woojin JoㅣSource: Haidak

‘Radio Frequency Thermal’ improves symptoms of large thyroid nodules
Thyroid radiofrequency thermotherapy (resection) is a treatment that reduces the size of the thyroid nodule (lump) causing uncomfortable symptoms by inserting a special needle into the thyroid nodule. Patients who have a swollen neck due to the large volume of the nodule or who suffer from discomfort in daily life due to a lump in the thyroid gland can receive treatment to reduce the size of the nodule while preserving thyroid function through radiofrequency treatment.

Radio frequency therapy with pros and cons… Good communication between doctor and patient is important
Compared to traditional thyroid surgery, radiofrequency treatment does not require general anesthesia and does not require a neck skin incision. However, as it is not a treatment that removes the lump completely, in some cases it has the disadvantage of requiring several additional treatments to prevent it from growing again.

Therefore, it is important to fully understand the pros and cons of general surgery and high frequency treatment before making a choice. Doctors should give patients balanced medical principles that are not biased, and it is good for patients to make treatment decisions without difficulty after fully understanding them.

High frequency treatment screen ㅣSource: Wid Sim Clinic YouTube capture

The principle is to treat lumps, not cancer or tumours, by biopsy
To date, a benign thyroid nodule is the target of thyroid radiofrequency treatment for which safety and efficacy have been established. In other words, before the treatment, it is necessary to confirm that it is not thyroid cancer (Carcinoma) or a neoplasm (Neoplasm) in a biopsy. If the shape of the lump seen on ultrasound is highly likely to be a benign nodule, one biopsy is sufficient, but in most cases, two or more biopsies are performed to confirm that it is a benign nodule before treatment is planned .

A large thyroid nodule is evident as a large lump or lump in the front of the neck and protrudes prominently when swallowing saliva or moving the head. Radiofrequency treatment is performed when a thyroid nodule causing symptoms is confirmed as a benign nodule in a biopsy, and associated symptoms are expected to improve by reducing the size of the nodule. Even if diagnosed as a benign nodule, a thyroid nodule without any special symptoms due to its small size cannot be considered as a target for radiofrequency treatment. Of course, if there is a clear tendency in the size of the nodule to continuously increase during follow-up, radiofrequency treatment can be selectively planned.

Thyroid nodule ㅣSource: Wid Sim Clinic YouTube capture

In many cases, radiofrequency treatment cannot be carried out during the diagnosis process.
Before undergoing treatment in this way, if you follow the principles carefully and step through the diagnosis process, you will encounter many more patients who cannot receive high frequency treatment than patients who can receive high frequency treatment. In cases where surgery is more suitable than radiofrequency treatment, it is ultimately useful for the patient to boldly undergo surgery.

If treatment is not required, it is sufficient to re-evaluate the treatment while coping with regular follow-up. When deciding on a treatment plan for thyroid nodules, including radiofrequency treatment, it is good to be treated by hospitals and doctors who provide evidence that will actually help patients while strictly following the principles.

Written = medical reporter Haidak Woojin Jo (Otorhinolaryngologist)

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