At Pasadena Health and Surgical Institute, we offer the expertise of skilled interventional radiologists who specialize in advanced, minimally invasive procedures. Our team combines cutting-edge technology with a patient-centered approach to provide the best possible care for individuals with thyroid disease. Whether you need a diagnostic thyroid ultrasound, biopsy, nodule ablation, or embolization for a large goiter, we ensure precise and compassionate care every step of the way. Here’s how we can help with thyroid diseases:
Purpose: A thyroid ultrasound helps assess the size, shape, and structure of the thyroid gland, as well as identify any abnormalities such as thyroid nodules or cysts.
How It Works: An interventional radiologist uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the thyroid tissue. This non-invasive imaging helps determine whether a nodule is benign or potentially malignant, and whether there are any signs of thyroid disease.
Why It's Important: It helps detect thyroid conditions early, allowing for accurate diagnosis and management.
Purpose: If a suspicious nodule is identified during the ultrasound, an interventional radiologist can perform a biopsy to collect a tissue sample for analysis.
How It Works: Using ultrasound for real-time imaging guidance, the interventional radiologist inserts a thin needle into the thyroid nodule to extract a small sample of tissue. The procedure is typically done with local anesthesia to ensure comfort.
Why It's Important: A biopsy helps determine whether a thyroid nodule is cancerous or benign, aiding in the treatment decision-making process. It avoids the need for more invasive surgery in many cases.
Purpose: This procedure is designed to treat benign thyroid nodules that are causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, pain, or cosmetic concerns.
How It Works: Interventional radiologists use ultrasound guidance to perform a procedure called radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or laser ablation. A needle is inserted into the thyroid nodule, and energy (radiofrequency or laser) is applied to destroy the tissue of the nodule, causing it to shrink.
Why It's Important: Nodule ablation is a non-surgical option that can help reduce the size of the nodule, alleviate symptoms, and improve the appearance of the neck without the need for an incision. It’s a great alternative for patients who are not candidates for surgery or wish to avoid it.
Purpose: A thyroid goiter refers to an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can cause symptoms like difficulty swallowing, breathing issues, or neck discomfort. When the goiter is large and causing significant symptoms, traditional surgery may be a high-risk option.
How It Works: Thyroid artery embolization (TAE) is a minimally invasive procedure where an interventional radiologist uses imaging guidance to insert a catheter into the blood vessels supplying the thyroid gland. Tiny embolic particles are then injected to block blood flow to the thyroid, causing the gland to shrink over time.
Why It's Important: This procedure can help reduce the size of a large goiter, relieve symptoms, and avoid the need for more invasive surgery. It’s a valuable option for patients who may have other health concerns that make surgery a riskier choice.
Minimally Invasive: These procedures are performed with small incisions or no incisions at all, which means less pain, fewer complications, no scarring and quicker recovery times compared to traditional surgery.
Guided by Imaging: Real-time ultrasound or other imaging techniques ensure precision in targeting the affected area, reducing the risk of errors and improving the overall safety of the procedures.
Effective Alternatives to Surgery: Many of these treatments, such as ablation and embolization, offer non-surgical alternatives to manage thyroid conditions effectively.
Quick Recovery: Most interventional radiology procedures are outpatient, meaning patients can often go home the same day and return to normal activities much sooner than with traditional surgery.
Choosing us means receiving top-tier care from a team committed to your health and comfort, with quick and effective treatments that minimize downtime and improve your quality of life.
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