Application of microwave ablation technology in the treatment of thyroid tumors

A case of microwave ablation to treat benign thyroid tumors at Thanh Hoa Provincial General Hospital.

Recently, Ms. L.Th.B. (residing in Thieu Hoa district) came to Thanh Hoa General Hospital for examination with a large tumor in her neck and an increasingly obvious feeling of difficulty swallowing. The ultrasound results showed that she had a homogeneous mass measuring 4x5cm (TIRADS 3). After a professional consultation, the doctors of the Department of Diagnostic Imaging prescribed microwave ablation of the tumor. The procedure took about 30 minutes, the patient was completely awake, had no pain, no discomfort and could resume normal activities immediately after the intervention.

Ms. L.Th.B., shared: When the doctor advised me to perform this method, I felt very secure. During the procedure, I felt no pain or burning sensation. Immediately after the procedure, I was able to go about my normal activities.

The thyroid is an important endocrine gland that produces hormones that regulate metabolism in the human body, located in front of the neck and at the bottom of the throat. Thyroid tumors are a condition in which a mass of tissue or cells develops in this area that can change the function of the thyroid gland, causing loss of aesthetics for the patient. Based on the results of cytological aspiration or biopsy, thyroid tumors are divided into two types: benign or malignant tumors. Malignant tumors account for about 4-7%, the rest are mostly benign thyroid tumors. Benign thyroid tumors can increase in size over time, compressing surrounding organs and causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, choking, hoarseness, voice changes, difficulty breathing or neck protrusion, causing loss of aesthetics for the patient. Over time, if patients with benign thyroid tumors do not receive complete treatment, the tumor can progress to malignancy.

Previously, the common methods in treating benign thyroid tumors were open surgery and endoscopic surgery. However, these methods still have many limitations such as: patients have to endure a lot of pain, blood loss, long recovery time and post-operative complications, high hospitalization costs. Open surgery has a large incision, leaving a long, ugly scar on the neck, causing loss of aesthetics; the surgery must be performed under anesthesia, so the patient may have to endure additional side effects of anesthesia. There are certain complications such as: hoarseness, hypothyroidism and need to use supportive hormones. The method of treating benign thyroid tumors by microwave ablation technology is one of the methods that brings optimal results with many outstanding advantages. At Thanh Hoa Provincial General Hospital, this method is being implemented methodically, according to standard procedures, with the support of a modern equipment system and a team of highly specialized doctors.

Master, Doctor Lai Van Dung, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Thanh Hoa Provincial General Hospital, said: "The method of treating benign thyroid tumors with microwave technology is a very modern, safe and effective minimally invasive intervention method with many outstanding advantages such as: safe, painless, minimally invasive, no scarring or complications; significant time savings; only need local anesthesia without anesthesia, thereby saving costs and time for patients and especially no complications of hypothyroidism. Patients can live normally and be discharged after 24 hours. In addition, this technique is covered by health insurance for treatment costs".

Dr. Lai Van Dung also recommended that regular thyroid function testing and thyroid ultrasound are extremely necessary to help screen and detect thyroid diseases early. From there, appropriate and timely treatment methods will be available to prevent the disease from progressing and reduce the impact on quality of life.

With a team of highly qualified doctors and surgeons, a system of equipment and infrastructure invested synchronously, Thanh Hoa General Hospital is a facility for examining and treating thyroid diseases safely, effectively and cost-effectively; helping people to enjoy high-tech medical services right in their home province. In order to improve the quality of medical examination and treatment, continue to develop modern minimally invasive intervention techniques, Thanh Hoa General Hospital is continuing to expand the scope of microwave technology application to effectively treat other cancers such as thyroid tumors, breast tumors, soft tissue, lung tumors, liver cancer, liver metastases, bone tumors... with the support of ultrasound and computed tomography. This is a big step forward in the roadmap for specialized medical development, aiming to become a high-tech medical center in the North Central region.

Article and photos: To Ha

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/ung-dung-cong-nghe-dot-vi-song-trong-dieu-tri-u-tuyen-giap-248560.htm