Thyroid Grand is a butterfly shaped gland in base of neck and plays a vital role in metabolism. Thyroid nodules are abnormal over growth of tissue in the Thyroid gland and are commonly noticed. It is seen in about 8.5 percent in Indian population and is more common in females.

Dr. Shailesh Shivraj Pene, Senior Consultant, Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology at Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Mysuru, throws light on Thyroid nodules, symptoms, diagnosis and its treatment in the article.

Are Thyroid nodules serious?

No. Most of the Thyroid nodules are not serious and many are non-cancerous in nature. However, small percent of Thyroid swelling (nodules) are cancerous in nature. So early diagnosis and treatment of Thyroid cancers is of utmost importance.

What are the symptoms of Thyroid nodules?

Most of the Thyroid nodules do not cause major problems. In symptomatic individuals it causes neck pain, foreign body sensation, cough and discomfort. It may be a cosmetic issue in many individuals.

What are the risk factors for developing Thyroid   nodules?

Iodine deficiency, family history, being female, old age group and history of radiation exposure are some of the risk factors.

How Thyroid nodules are diagnosed?

It can be diagnosed through blood tests (abnormal Thyroid functions), ultra sonography and sometimes by Thyroid scan. Neck ultra sonography is the best and easy tool to identify Thyroid swelling (nodules).

What is the treatment for Thyroid swellings (nodules)?

Conventionally, Thyroid nodules were treated by medication and surgery. Surgery can cause scar formation, wound infection and hypo functioning of Thyroid gland.

With the latest development of Thermal Ablative techniques such as Microwave Ablation (MWA), many Thyroid nodules can be treated safely with minimal complications and good outcome.

What is Microwave Ablation and how is this procedure done?

Microwave ablation is a thermal heating technique that utilises electromagnetic micro waves thus killing the cells is Thyroid nodule. Normal functioning cells are not affected by this procedure. This procedure is done on out-patient basis under local anaesthesia and under ultra sound guidance. A small needle is introduced under ultra sound guidance into the Thyroid nodule and is heated with the help of Microwave Ablation, under direct vision of ultra sound.  Microwave Ablation achieves shrinkage of the nodule and relieves the symptoms.

Treated patients can be discharged on the same day of procedure and they can resume his/her activities very soon. No scar mark is visible on the neck after the procedure. No abnormal functioning of Thyroid are seen.

We at Narayana Multi-speciality Hospital offer this novel and innovative technique of Microwave Ablation for treating Thyroid nodules. We are the only centre in this region lending this novel and safe technique for treating Thyroid lumps.

Many patients are treated by this technique on day care basis at our hospital and discharged on the same day.