Thyroid Talk Episode 4: Thyroid Nodules 101 and Intro to RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation)

Send us Fan MailThyroid Talk with Dr. Angela MazzaRecorded 3-18-2022SHOW NOTES EPISODE 4, 2022Thyroid Nodules 101 and Intro to RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation)Host: Dr. Angela MazzaCo-host: Dawn Sheffield Dr. Angela Mazza is a thyroid, endocrine, and metabolism specialist with a private practice in Central Florida.  The goal for this podcast is to define and demystify the thyroid gland, and thyroid-related medical conditions.  By providing information in an easy-to-understand format, we hope to help patients better understand the ways in which their bodies work, and to help them thrive.  Dr. Mazza’s goal is to help us live more fulfilling lives by taking control of our health to feel our best. We want to discuss subjects of interest to our listeners, so please send in your questions, comments, and topic ideas for future shows to [email protected]  And please continue listening to “Thyroid Talk with Dr. Angela Mazza”  We have many more interesting episodes, and guests, planned.  We’ll build on this episode’s foundation, and do some more deep dives into topics we think you’ll find meaningful.  To recap some of what we discussed in episode 4—not necessarily in this order: We introduced the subject of growths, aka nodules or masses, in the thyroid, defined what they are, and explained their possible causes;·       though usually benign, masses in the thyroid can be cancer, or they may cause hyperactive (overactive) thyroid.  Prompt attention to any changes in the thyroid or in your health is best;·       thyroid cancer is often curable;·       discussed ultrasound machines and how they work;·       explained that an ultrasound test is painless, non-invasive, and requires zero recovery time;·       briefly discussed the PEI procedure (leave it to trained medical professionals!); ·       toxic nodules;·       nodular goiters (now called thyroid nodules);  toxic multinodular goiter means more than one nodule, and too much thyroid hormone being produced;·       nodules’ affect on thyroid function;·       how many people have unknown thyroid growths—revealed!;·       fine needle aspiration, the needles used, and associated lab tests—explained;·       the word, “atypical,” defined;·       how to treat overactive/toxic nodules—in the past and present;·       RFA: Radio Frequency Ablation, defined and explained; RFA procedure: how long might it take?, pros, cons, side effects, recovery; who is a good candidate for RFA; and finally, RFA’s life-changing benefits and its success rate.Best of all, we learned that we CAN impact our thyroid health! In episode 5, 2022 the subject will be: How to interpret lab test results—and how the results may correlate to your symptoms. We welcome your comments, show ideas, and questions for future episodes.  Please send them to [email protected] Don’t forget to ask your healthcare provider about any specific questions regarding your wellness.  This podcast is meant for educational purposes only. Copyright 2022 Dr. Angela Mazza.  Thyroid Talk with Dr. Angela Mazza.  All rights reserved.  Check out our YouTube channel - Dr. Angela Mazza, our website at Metabolic Center for Wellness, our FaceBook and our Instagram page.