Thyroid nodules are growths or lumps that might develop in the thyroid gland, which is present in the neck. Most of the time, these nodules are benign and not cancerous. However, it becomes utmost important to intervene and treat them because of the potential complications as well as cosmetic reasons. Surgery is a widely used option for the treatment of this condition, however, we understand that it might not be the most comforting option for some people. People generally try to find treatment options that can shrink the nodules without the need of surgery. Thanks to the advancements in technology and modern medicine, there are a wide range of options that are available today to shrink these nodules without surgery, and provide lasting relief against the symptoms. In this article, we will discuss in detail the various options that can help you shrink thyroid nodules without resorting to surgeries, so that you or loved ones facing this problem can make more informed and empowered decisions with respect to the Thyroid treatment option you’re going to opt for.
How are thyroid nodules diagnosed?
Thyroid nodules generally don’t cause any symptoms, and hence are detected while scans or tests are done for some other problem. However, if these nodules are diagnosed, the main aim of your Thyroid doctor near me would be to rule out any possibility of cancer.
- Physical Exam – Your doctor might ask you to swallow while taking a close look at your neck, because while swallowing, the lump might move up and down the throat.
- Thyroid Function Test – It is a blood test that shows the level of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in your blood, which can indicate whether you have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
- Ultrasound – This test uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to produce images of the patient’s Thyroid gland. This test can easily and accurately give an idea about the location and the size of the nodule.
- Biopsy – During this test, a sample of the thyroid cells is taken and it is tested to rule out any possibility of Neck thyroid cancer.
- Thyroid Scan – This is a test which the doctor might recommend to evaluate your thyroid gland. An isotope of radioactive iodine is injected into the vein of the patient to obtain clear results of this test.
How to shrink thyroid nodules without surgery?
There are a number of methods a patient can try to shrink thyroid nodules without surgery. In some cases, lifestyle changes and dietary modifications might just do the trick, while other cases might require some medical procedures.
- Lifestyle and dietary changes
Making certain positive changes to the lifestyle and dietary habits can sometimes help in reducing the size of Thyroid nodules. These include regular exercises, yoga, meditation, and deep breathing to maintain hormone balance and reduce stress. Staying hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water, and getting proper sleep are also very important and can help with Thyroid neck swelling.
Eating food items rich in Zinc and Vitamin B, such as spinach, cashews and eggs, is considered to be beneficial. Foods rich in selenium and Vitamin D like Brazil nuts, Sunflower seeds, egg yolks, certain types of fish, and roasted seaweed, are also crucial for alleviating the symptoms of thyroid nodules.
- Thyroid Nodule Ablation
Among the medical procedures that are used to shrink thyroid nodules, this is the most popular Thyroid treatment worldwide among Doctors and Patients alike. It is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of heat to destroy the nodules present in Thyroid gland. During this procedure, an interventional radiologist inserts a small needle electrode into the thyroid nodule. After this, an electric current is passed through the electrode, which generates heat energy in the thyroid nodule and in turn, destroys it. There are many benefits of this method of thyroid nodule treatment, which include:
- It is the most effective option for non-cancerous or benign thyroid nodules
- It is a minimally invasive procedure, and doesn’t leave any scars
- It protects and preserves the function of the rest of the parts of the Thyroid gland
- It facilitates faster and smoother recovery as compared to surgical options
- It doesn’t pose any risk of post-operative complications or infections
It is usually the most recommended option for benign thyroid nodules that are causing discomfort and swelling in the neck among other symptoms, and also for the patients who cannot undergo surgery.
If you are looking for the best Thyroid specialist near me or Thyroid Disorders Treatment, you have just landed on the right page. Sohana Hospital Mohali boasts of the world’s most advanced cutting-edge technology and North India’s best Interventional Radiologists and Thyroid doctor near me, a combination of which provides the most comprehensive and holistic care for all your Endocrine and Thyroid-related issues. Contact our experts today and take the first step towards a happier and healthier life!