Thyroid Cysts/nodules

[Blueberries1]

Does anyone know of a consultant or centre that provides High Intensity Frequency Ultrasound treatment in the UK?

Article if interested tandfonline.com/doi/full/10...

[PurpleNails Administrator]

I’m not aware of any hospital or private companies offering High Intensity Frequency Ultrasound.

There are some NHS hospitals offering similar Percutaneous ablation treatments (RFA radio frequency ablation & MWA Microwave Ablation)

btf-thyroid.org/less-invasi...

This article discusses & compares procedures.

link.springer.com/article/1...

[Blueberries1 in reply to PurpleNails]

Thank you so much, both excellent links! The attitude of the specialist I saw yesterday who just wants to remove half of my thyroid (with a 1 in 7 chance of complications) caused me more concern than the health issue (almost). So I am on a mission to find alternatives with better odds.

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to Blueberries1]

You may find this post informative.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

What do you know about your nodule/s. Size? has it been aspirated?

What are thyroid function levels. Many are told levels are normal but that’s not always the whole picture, doctors do not always fully test. & borderline results can indicate an issue which gets missed because they are “in range”.

I have a hyper nodule, I asked my GP to refer me to a hospital which might help, some distance away, I had the documents ect which he said he’d look them up.

He wrote to the local hospital for advice about how to go about referring & the hospital said they wanted to see me to discuss treatment. I suspect they want me to agree to RAI but I’m pushing for a referral. Unfortunately this was months ago & there’s no endocrinology clinics so I’m on extended wait.

Good luck with your mission. You may find road blocks but others have persevered & had successful treatment.

[Blueberries1 in reply to PurpleNails]

Thank you. They did a biopsy and withdrew liquid from the cyst which was 4.3cm and they said it was benign. I saw him for the second time yesterday and he said I should have it removed. They took blood as he said he needed to check calcium levels pre procedure. I have no information on hormone levels. I can see I need to get help elsewhere, as I live on an island that will mean travel expense as well as all the other fees. He told me that if I wanted any other treatment funded I would be wasting my time as it would be an unsuccessful application. Thank you for your help and encouragement and good luck in your journey. Have you seen this - youtube.com/watch?v=Z4Ug2ON...(Not working as expected?)

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to Blueberries1]

Things to consider.

Obtain a full thyroid test before making any decision.

Including TSH, FT4, FT3. Thyroid antibodies TPO & TG. Folate, ferritin, B12 & vitamin D.

I believe a thyroid cyst can be treated by ethanol but not by the other methods (there no solid tissue to target) except for the cyst edges. Unfortunately the fluid almost always re-fills.

There’s always the possibility your results show low thyroid levels & replacement improves symptoms eg reduces thyroid swelling.

Is surgery required due to size of cyst?

Consider booking a private endocrinologist possibly video call who can refer you for further treatment.

Thyroid uk list private blood testing companies & discount codes ( see which will deliver to you)

thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...

There’s also a list of private doctors you can obtained by contacting Thyroid U.K. either by emailing [e-mail] or using this online form thyroiduk.org/about-thyroid...

Can’t access video.

[Blueberries1 in reply to PurpleNails]

Wow what a start you are, thank you!