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Thyroid nodules affect millions of people worldwide, and while most are benign, some can become cancerous and require surgery. However, a new treatment option has emerged, offering patients an alternative to surgery. Microwave ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that destroys abnormal tissue using thermal energy, is now available in Thailand, and it is changing the way thyroid nodules are treated with microwave ablation.
Dr. Thanyawat (Dr. Max), a leading specialist in the field, is one of the experts performing this innovative procedure at the Police General Hospital in Bangkok. During the procedure, a small needle is inserted into the thyroid nodule using ultrasound guidance. The needle emits microwave energy that heats and destroys the nodule’s abnormal tissue, while leaving the healthy tissue intact. Microwave ablation, a minimally invasive procedure for the ablation of benign thyroid tissue, is now available in Thailand. The procedure is quick, lasting around 20 minutes, and is done under local anesthesia. The patient is awake throughout the procedure and can communicate with the doctor during the treatment.
Microwave ablation offers numerous benefits over traditional surgery. First and foremost, it is minimally invasive, meaning it avoids the risks and complications associated with surgery. Additionally, it is less painful and requires less recovery time than surgery. Patients also have a reduced risk of scarring and a lower chance of vocal cord injury, which can occur during surgery. Microwave ablation is a promising new benign thyroid nodules treatment that offers numerous benefits over traditional surgery.
While microwave ablation is a new treatment option, it is not suitable for all thyroid nodules. Doctors will evaluate each patient’s case to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure. However, for those who are eligible, microwave ablation is a promising new treatment option.
With the arrival of microwave ablation in Thailand, patients with thyroid nodules have a new option for treatment without undergoing surgery. Dr. Thanyawat (Dr. Max) and his team at the Police General Hospital in Bangkok are leading the way in this innovative treatment, giving hope to patients who may have previously felt surgery was their only option.
Microwave ablation is a game-changing treatment option for patients with thyroid nodules; its minimally invasive nature, reduced recovery time, and lower risk of complications make it an attractive alternative to surgery. Thanks to Dr. Thanyawat (Dr. Max) and his team at the Police General Hospital in Bangkok, patients in Thailand now have access to this innovative treatment option.
Introduction
Thyroid nodules are a common clinical problem, with a prevalence of 20% to 76% in the general population by ultrasound examination. Most benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) are asymptomatic and need only to be monitored over time. However, some patients with BTNs require surgical or non-surgical intervention due to compression-related symptoms or cosmetic or psychological problems. Microwave ablation (MWA) is a minimally invasive treatment for BTNs that aims to debulk nodules and relieve symptoms rather than completely remove them. MWA has shown efficacy in reducing the size of solid benign thyroid nodules, with studies indicating favorable outcomes in terms of safety and effectiveness compared to conventional surgery.
Background
The efficacy of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression is controversial due to its potential side effects. Traditional thyroidectomy is the mainstay management of symptomatic BTNs, but it has disadvantages such as neck scarring and risk of complications. Minimally invasive techniques such as chemical and thermal ablation were introduced as alternatives to the management of BTNs. MWA has been found to be effective and safe in treating BTNs, with a nodule volume reduction rate (VRR) of 65.00% to 81.00% at 6 months and 79.60% to 92.40% at 12 months, measured by comparing nodule volume pre- and post-treatment.
What are Benign Thyroid Nodules?
Benign thyroid nodules are non-cancerous growths that develop within the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the neck. These nodules are quite common, with studies indicating that up to 50% of the population may have them. Typically, benign thyroid nodules are small and asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause noticeable symptoms. However, in some cases, these nodules can grow large enough to cause discomfort, difficulty swallowing, or even visible swelling in the neck. While most benign thyroid nodules do not pose a significant health risk, their presence can sometimes lead to cosmetic concerns or anxiety about potential malignancy.
About Dr. Thanyawat Sasanakietkul
Dr. Thanyawat Sasanakietkul is a Surgical Oncologist with more than 20 years of professional experience. He specializes in Breast Surgery, Head & Neck Surgical Oncology. Dr. Max has been at the forefront of the treatment of benign thyroid conditions using innovative techniques like microwave ablation. He is a member of the Thai Medical Council.
About ECO Microwave
ECO Microwave is actively involved in microwave,high-frequency and laser fields. Established in 2000, ECO is one of the largest medical device manufacturer integrated with research and development, production and marketing in China. Ever since its establishment, ECO has been working to deliver the most advanced medical technology and provide integrated solutions for healthcare industry all over the world.
As the pioneer in microwave ablation field, ECO is the first company to combine cooling circulation technology with microwave system in 2002, which has made a revolutionary breakthrough in the development of microwave ablation for tumor treatment. With more than 15 years’ research and development in microwave, ECO’s microwave ablation system has been widely used in a lot of hospitals both domestically and internationally.
Besides microwave ablation system, ECO’s product line also covers Varicose Veins Therapeutic Unit, Prostate Therapeutic Unit, Cool Plasma Electrosurgical Unit, Argon Electrosurgical Unit, Radiofrequency Therapeutic Unit, and Semi-conductor Laser Therapeutic System, etc.
ECO has been dedicated itself to the whole human health. We are doing everything we can to serve our customers with the leading-edge technology.
About Philip James
In 2013, his laryngeal nerve was severed, shoulder nerve damaged, parathyroids ruined, and residual cancer left behind — all for a 1 cm thyroid nodule.
Later, a vocal cord implant was inserted to help him speak.
The word he uses to describe his work as patient advocate is, ‘tonglen’. Or, using his pain and hardship to help others.
Content on the RFAMD website and podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified clinician about your own care.