Abstract
Benign thyroid nodules are exceedingly common in the adult population. Only a small percentage of nodules are toxic or autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs). The options clinicians have for treating the symptoms of hyperthyroidism include anti-thyroidal medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery. Depending on the patient population treated, these options may not be suitable or have inherent risks that are undesirable to the patient. On the other hand, untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to osteoporosis, atrial fibrillation, emotional lability, and neurological consequences. Thus, we present a review of two novel safe and effective approaches for treating AFTN; one surgical (transoral endoscopic thyroid surgery) and one non-surgical (radiofrequency ablation), as a means for expanding our treatment armamentarium.
Highlights
Benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) are generally asymptomatic but can cause symptoms due to size or autonomous function
In an age where there is a push towards ‘personalized medicine’, we review two recent advancements for the treatment of autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs) which may potentially broaden the surgical and nonsurgical options for patients
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a novel minimally invasive approach that is a potential alternative to surgery for treating symptomatic benign nodules [43] as well as AFTN [44]
Summary
Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States. Reviewed by: Trevor Edmund Angell, University of Southern California, United States Stefano Spiezia, Local Health Authority Naples 1. Benign thyroid nodules are exceedingly common in the adult population. A small percentage of nodules are toxic or autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs). The options clinicians have for treating the symptoms of hyperthyroidism include antithyroidal medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery. Depending on the patient population treated, these options may not be suitable or have inherent risks that are undesirable to the patient. We present a review of two novel safe and effective approaches for treating AFTN; one surgical (transoral endoscopic thyroid surgery) and one non-surgical (radiofrequency ablation), as a means for expanding our treatment armamentarium
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