In a podcast episode featuring Dr. Vaninder Dhillon from Johns Hopkins and hosted by Philip James, the discussion centers on the prevalence, detection, and treatment of thyroid nodules, focusing on ablation therapy as an alternative to surgery.
Find more info about thyroid ablation at: www.rfamd.com
Dr. Dhillon, an assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at Johns Hopkins, specializes in the surgical management of thyroid and parathyroid diseases. She explains that thyroid nodules are quite common in the American population, with an estimated 30 to 50% of people having at least one thyroid nodule, the majority of which are benign. These nodules are often discovered incidentally through advanced imaging technologies or during physical examinations when patients experience symptoms like lumps or pressure in the neck.
The conversation shifts to the treatment of multiple thyroid nodules. Dr. Dhillon points out that while it’s not uncommon to have multiple nodules, the treatment approach has evolved. Previously, surgery was the standard treatment, but now, ablation is considered a viable, less invasive option that can preserve the rest of the functioning thyroid gland.
Ablation is particularly effective for patients with multiple benign nodules, especially when the thyroid gland itself is not enlarged. It provides targeted volume reduction of the nodules, aiming to alleviate symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, voice changes, or neck discomfort. However, for patients with an enlarged thyroid gland, surgery might still be necessary if the gland size rather than the nodules is causing symptoms.
Dr. Dhillon also touches on treating malignant nodules, stating that while surgery remains the primary treatment for thyroid cancers in the U.S., ablation can be considered for patients who are not candidates for surgery or have recurrent disease.
The podcast emphasizes a new paradigm in thyroid nodule treatment: surgery is not always necessary, and in many cases, ablation can be an effective treatment. This is particularly significant for patients who wish to avoid surgery and its potential complications, such as the need for lifelong thyroid medication.
Dr. Dhillon encourages those with multiple thyroid nodules to seek expert consultation about ablation, as it could be a suitable treatment option. The episode concludes with a reminder that treatment approaches are changing, and patients have options beyond surgery, reinforcing the importance of discussing these with a healthcare provider specialized in this field. Dr. Dhillon’s contact information is provided for those interested in further discussion or treatment.
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About Dr. Vaninder Dhillon
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
Vaninder “Vinny” K. Dhillon, M.D., is an assistant professor of otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, specializing in both children and adults. She practices out of Johns Hopkins Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Dhillon is also affiliated with Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, as well as Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Dhillon has an expertise in endocrine surgery, laryngology, otolaryngology, parathyroid diseases and surgery, swallowing disorders, thyroid diseases and surgery, and voice problems.
Dr. Dhillon earned her medical degree from Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California. She completed a residency in otolaryngology at Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center.
View Full Profile: https://www.rfamd.com/vaninder-dhillon/
About Philip James
As the host of the popular RFAMD and Doctor Thyroid podcasts, Philip James remains committed to sharing inspiring stories, valuable insights, and groundbreaking discoveries in the world of healthcare, making a positive impact on the lives of countless listeners.
Philip’s thought-provoking interviews have covered a wide range of healthcare topics, from cutting-edge technologies and surgical advancements to patient experiences and the impact of medical research on society.
About RFAMD
RFAMD is solely dedicated to helping healthcare organizations build deeper, enduring relationships with patients. Our team brings together expertise and insights to create enterprise-wide solutions that transform the patient experience.
With years of experience in understanding the patient’s journey, we can help healthcare organizations thrive in today’s patient-centered healthcare market. Our range of solutions includes smart, measurable patient acquisition programs, physician marketing touch-points that drive referrals into priority service lines, and credible, easy-to-digest content at the point of care and beyond, in patients’ preferred formats and languages.
We also provide brand strategies that increase patient preference and physician referrals and differentiate your brand in the market through reputation-building tools.
Our commitment is to enable providers and payers to deliver personalized care by activating, educating, and motivating patients to prioritize their health every day. As your strategic partner, we combine our unique capabilities and industry expertise to better engage patients at every step of their health journey.
Our goal is to help healthcare organizations achieve stronger patient and member outcomes, sustained improvements in brand reputation, measurable gains in market share, and increased revenue.
