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RFAMD episodes

  • Dr. Greg Randolph on Patient-Centered Approaches to Thyroid Nodule Treatment

    In a comprehensive interview conducted by Philip James from the RFAMD and Doctor Thyroid podcasts, Dr. Greg Randolph from Harvard Medical School shares his insights on patient-centered approaches for treating thyroid nodules. The interview focuses on thyroid ablation, a procedure that treats thyroid nodules without surgery.

    Dr. Randolph emphasizes the importance of not only measuring the volumetric reduction of the nodule after ablation but also considering patient-reported outcomes. These outcomes include the patient's perception of the nodule, such as whether they still have a lump sensation in their neck or a visible lump. Despite the successful reduction of the nodule size on ultrasound, the patient may still perceive a visual or physical presence, thus it's critical to include what's meaningful for the patient in the outcomes.

    He also discusses the importance of understanding a patient's concerns and expectations. Whether it's a benign nodule or a low-stage malignancy, each patient will have their own concerns and priorities. Some may fear the potential of a hidden cancer while others may be apprehensive about surgical procedures. Hence, the treatment decision should be apparent after a thorough discussion of the patient's preferences and the medical realities.

    Lastly, he stresses the importance of physicians offering a variety of treatment options. For benign nodules or small cancers, patients should have the option to select from different rational treatments. Dr. Randolph also advocates for spending adequate time with the patient, allowing them to ask questions and make informed decisions.

    This patient-centered approach fosters a less paternalistic, more collaborative physician-patient relationship, ensuring that the patient's desires and concerns are addressed during the treatment process.

    🔷🔷🔷🔷The Doctor Thyroid and RFAMD podcast with Philip James is listened to in 100+ countries. It is a preferred patient resource for information related to thyroid cancer, RFA, hypothyroidism, pathology, and radiation therapy.

    Contact Philip [email protected]

    www.rfamd.com www.docthyroid.com

    About Philip James

    He is the host of the popular podcast: Doctor Thyroidwww.docthyroid.com

    In 2013, his laryngeal nerve was severed, shoulder nerve damaged, parathyroids ruined, and residual cancer left behind — all for a 1 cm thyroid nodule.Later, a vocal cord implant was inserted to help him speak.

    100+ episodes later, the Doctor Thyroid podcast is popular amongst patients; allowing them to access information from top doctors, without being limited by geography or economics.

    The word he uses to describe his work as patient advocate is, 'tonglen'. Or, using his pain and hardship to help others.

    The Doctor Thyroid podcast is available in Spanish and English – and listened to in over 30 countries:

    www.doctiroides.com (Spanish)

    www.docthyroid.com (English)

    Please email your requests to [email protected]

    Instagram: @PhilipJames360

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/philip-james/

    Facebook: @philipb07

    YouTube: @Doctor Thyroid Twitter : @docthyroid

    9 min
  • Dr. Camilo González Revela Avances en Tratamientos Mínimamente Invasivos para Nódulos Tiroideos

    En una entrevista realizada por Philip James de los podcasts Doctor Thyroid y RFAMD, el Dr. Camilo González de Monterrey, México, habla sobre las terapias de tratamiento mínimamente invasivas para los nódulos tiroideos.

    El Dr. González enfatiza que cada paciente tiene una historia única y diferentes necesidades de tratamiento. La misión de la Asociación de Tratamiento de Nódulos Tiroideos (TNT) es enseñar y exponer a los médicos a diferentes terapias de tratamiento mínimamente invasivas, proporcionando así opciones menos agresivas para los pacientes que puedan preservar su función tiroidea y reducir riesgos como la pérdida de la capacidad de hablar y cantar.

    El Dr. González también señala la importancia de entender el impacto emocional de las cirugías en los pacientes, incluyendo la cicatriz postoperatoria y la necesidad de terapia de reemplazo hormonal. Estos factores a menudo no se discuten lo suficiente con los pacientes antes de la cirugía. Sin embargo, con estas nuevas terapias, los médicos pueden minimizar las complicaciones y mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes.

    Finalmente, el Dr. González destaca la importancia de que los médicos piensen en sus pacientes y les ofrezcan las mejores opciones de tratamiento para que puedan tomar decisiones informadas. Él enfatiza que el resultado más importante es el bienestar del paciente.

    Para más información sobre el Dr. González y su trabajo, puedes encontrarlo en el Hospital Universitario de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León en Monterrey, México, donde está a cargo de la dirección de la clínica de tiroides.

    View Dr. González's Full Profile: https://www.rfamd.com/camilo-gonzalez/

    🔷🔷🔷🔷The Doctor Thyroid and RFAMD podcast with Philip James is listened to in 100+ countries. It is a preferred patient resource for information related to thyroid cancer, RFA, hypothyroidism, pathology, and radiation therapy.

    Contact Philip [email protected]

    www.rfamd.com www.docthyroid.com

    About Philip James

    He is the host of the popular podcast: Doctor Thyroidwww.docthyroid.com

    In 2013, his laryngeal nerve was severed, shoulder nerve damaged, parathyroids ruined, and residual cancer left behind — all for a 1 cm thyroid nodule.Later, a vocal cord implant was inserted to help him speak.

    100+ episodes later, the Doctor Thyroid podcast is popular amongst patients; allowing them to access information from top doctors, without being limited by geography or economics.

    The word he uses to describe his work as patient advocate is, 'tonglen'. Or, using his pain and hardship to help others.

    The Doctor Thyroid podcast is available in Spanish and English – and listened to in over 30 countries:

    www.doctiroides.com (Spanish)

    www.docthyroid.com (English)

    Please email your requests to [email protected]

    Instagram: @PhilipJames360

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/philip-james/

    Facebook: @philipb07

    YouTube: @Doctor Thyroid Twitter : @docthyroid

    6 min
  • Revolutionizing Thyroid Cancer Treatment: Ablation over Surgery with Dr. Giovanni Mauri

    In this interview, Dr. Giovanni Mauri, an interventional radiologist specializing in ablation for the treatment of various conditions including thyroid cancer, shares his insights with Philip James on the Doctor Thyroid and RFAMD podcasts.

    Dr. Mauri highlights one of the recent advancements in the field of ablation - the possibility of treating small thyroid cancers (up to one or two centimeters) without surgery. This innovative approach allows for the complete treatment of the cancer while preserving the thyroid gland.

    He advises every patient diagnosed with thyroid cancer to be aware that ablation is a valid treatment option. He emphasizes the importance for both physicians and patients to know that this option exists, and encourages patients to seek advice about the possibility of being treated by ablation instead of surgery.

    The interview concludes with Dr. Mauri extending an invitation for anyone with doubts about this procedure to reach out to him. His contact information is available in the episode description for those interested in learning more about treating thyroid cancer with ablation.

    The discussion provides a fresh perspective on thyroid cancer treatment, focusing on non-surgical options and the potential benefits of ablation. The interview wraps up with a farewell from Italy.

    🔷🔷🔷🔷The Doctor Thyroid and RFAMD podcast with Philip James is listened to in 100+ countries. It is a preferred patient resource for information related to thyroid cancer, RFA, hypothyroidism, pathology, and radiation therapy.

    Contact Philip [email protected]

    www.rfamd.com www.docthyroid.com

    About Philip James

    He is the host of the popular podcast: Doctor Thyroidwww.docthyroid.com

    In 2013, his laryngeal nerve was severed, shoulder nerve damaged, parathyroids ruined, and residual cancer left behind — all for a 1 cm thyroid nodule.Later, a vocal cord implant was inserted to help him speak.

    100+ episodes later, the Doctor Thyroid podcast is popular amongst patients; allowing them to access information from top doctors, without being limited by geography or economics.

    The word he uses to describe his work as patient advocate is, 'tonglen'. Or, using his pain and hardship to help others.

    The Doctor Thyroid podcast is available in Spanish and English – and listened to in over 30 countries:

    www.doctiroides.com (Spanish)

    www.docthyroid.com (English)

    Please email your requests to [email protected]

    Instagram: @PhilipJames360

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/philip-james/

    Facebook: @philipb07

    YouTube: @Doctor Thyroid Twitter : @docthyroid

    2 min
  • Treating Graves' Disease with Ablation: New Perspectives from Dr. Alireza Falahati

    In a recent interview with Philip James, host of the Doctor Thyroid and RFAMD podcasts, Dr. Alireza Falahati, a renowned endocrinologist from Utah, provided exciting insights from the TNT conference held in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The primary focus of the conversation was a groundbreaking development in the treatment of Graves' disease: the possibility of treating the entire thyroid gland with radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a potential game-changer in the management of this condition.

    Graves' disease is an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones, also known as hyperthyroidism. The conventional treatment strategies for Graves' disease include antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, and thyroid surgery. While effective, these treatments often come with potential side effects and risks, which highlights the need for novel, less invasive treatment options.

    Radiofrequency ablation involves using heat generated from high-frequency alternating currents to ablate or destroy abnormal tissue. This technique has found applications in the treatment of various medical conditions, including certain types of cancers. Dr. Falahati's revelation about the potential use of RFA to treat the entire thyroid gland could significantly transform the therapeutic landscape for Graves' disease, offering a non-invasive and low-risk treatment alternative.

    During the interview, Dr. Falahati expressed his enthusiasm about this novel approach, stating, "this is a new revelation. It is amazing. It's going to be really a game-changer and change our whole approach to patients with Graves' disease." The possibility of using RFA for the treatment of Graves' disease carries the promise of enhancing the quality of life for patients and instilling new hope for better disease management.

    Dr. Falahati also stressed the value of scientific conferences like TNT, where experts worldwide convene to share knowledge and foster innovative discussions. He lauded the conference for facilitating learning experiences and supporting the growth of transformative treatment approaches.

    As this method's adoption is still in the early stages, it's yet to be seen how quickly it will become a mainstream treatment option for Graves' disease. However, the optimism and anticipation echoed by Dr. Falahati signify a promising future in the field of endocrinology.

    In conclusion, Dr. Falahati expressed his gratitude towards the organizers and participants of the TNT conference, highlighting his eagerness to attend next year's event. The insights gained from such platforms continually contribute to the advancement of medical science, paving the way for more effective, less invasive treatments for complex diseases like Graves'. Radiofrequency ablation promises to be a groundbreaking addition to the therapeutic options, potentially revolutionizing patient care and improving their quality of life.

    View Dr. Alireza Falahati's Full Profile: https://www.rfamd.com/Alireza-Falahati/

    🔷🔷🔷🔷The Doctor Thyroid and RFAMD podcast with Philip James is listened to in 100+ countries. It is a preferred patient resource for information related to thyroid cancer, RFA, hypothyroidism, pathology, and radiation therapy.

    Contact Philip [email protected]

    www.rfamd.com www.docthyroid.com

    About Philip James

    He is the host of the popular podcast: Doctor Thyroidwww.docthyroid.com

    In 2013, his laryngeal nerve was severed, shoulder nerve damaged, parathyroids ruined, and residual cancer left behind — all for a 1 cm thyroid nodule.Later, a vocal cord implant was inserted to help him speak.

    100+ episodes later, the Doctor Thyroid podcast is popular amongst patients; allowing them to access information from top doctors, without being limited by geography or economics.

    The word he uses to describe his work as patient advocate is, 'tonglen'. Or, using his pain and hardship to help others.

    The Doctor Thyroid podcast is available in Spanish and English – and listened to in over 30 countries:

    www.doctiroides.com (Spanish)

    www.docthyroid.com (English)

    Please email your requests to [email protected]

    Instagram: @PhilipJames360

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/philip-james/

    Facebook: @philipb07

    YouTube: @Doctor Thyroid Twitter : @docthyroid

    2 min
  • Gianluca Selvaggi's Remarkable Story: Discovering and Defeating Thyroid Cancer Through Ablation

    www.rfamd.com

    Gianluca Selvaggi's Remarkable Story: Discovering and Defeating Thyroid Cancer Through Ablation

    In an intriguing episode of the Doctor Thyroid and RFAMD podcasts, hosted by Philip James, we get to hear an inspiring story from a man named Gianluca Selvaggi. His experience with thyroid cancer and the subsequent successful treatment with ablation serves as a beacon of hope for those facing similar diagnoses.

    The Unusual Discovery

    Selvaggi's story is unique because he discovered his cancer in an unconventional manner – it was by sheer accident while "playing around" with ultrasound. During a visit to Dr. Roberto Valcavi's office to share some technology related to thyroid cancer, Dr. Valcavi performed a casual ultrasound check on Selvaggi's neck. To their surprise, they discovered a small carcinoma, confirming the presence of papillary thyroid cancer.

    Selvaggi described his initial reaction to the diagnosis as one of worry, which is not uncommon when confronted with the word 'cancer'. However, Dr. Valcavi's comforting approach and clear treatment pathway eased his anxieties.

    Treatment with Ablation

    Fast forward 20 days, Selvaggi underwent a radiofrequency ablation procedure – a non-surgical treatment that uses heat to destroy the cancer cells. The entire treatment took around 40-45 minutes, a significantly shorter period compared to conventional surgical methods. This was in May, and by the time Selvaggi joined the podcast in June, he reported feeling perfectly fine.

    Selvaggi shared that he was able to resume his normal life within just a few days of treatment. He was back to playing football and mountain biking, emphasizing the non-invasive nature and swift recovery associated with ablation treatment.

    Cancer-Free and Grateful

    A month after treatment, Selvaggi joyfully reported being cancer-free. His experience speaks volumes about the effectiveness of ablation treatment for thyroid cancer, especially considering that he did not have to undergo surgery. He praised Dr. Valcavi for his skill and reassurance throughout the process, stating, "My neck is perfect."

    When asked what he would tell other patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer, Selvaggi urged trust in the treating clinicians and the technology at hand. His story demonstrates the immense potential of minimally invasive treatments like ablation, showing they can successfully cure cancer without causing significant disruption to the patient's life.

    Gianluca Selvaggi's story is a powerful testament to modern medical advancements. Thanks to his chance ultrasound and the skilled work of Dr. Roberto Valcavi, Selvaggi was able to effectively treat his thyroid cancer, resuming his normal life just days after treatment. His tale underscores the importance of having reliable clinicians and trusting in new technologies that have the potential to revolutionize patient outcomes.

    🔷🔷🔷🔷The Doctor Thyroid and RFAMD podcast with Philip James is listened to in 100+ countries. It is a preferred patient resource for information related to thyroid cancer, RFA, hypothyroidism, pathology, and radiation therapy.

    Contact Philip [email protected]

    www.rfamd.com www.docthyroid.com

    About Philip James

    He is the host of the popular podcast: Doctor Thyroidwww.docthyroid.com

    In 2013, his laryngeal nerve was severed, shoulder nerve damaged, parathyroids ruined, and residual cancer left behind — all for a 1 cm thyroid nodule.Later, a vocal cord implant was inserted to help him speak.

    100+ episodes later, the Doctor Thyroid podcast is popular amongst patients; allowing them to access information from top doctors, without being limited by geography or economics.

    The word he uses to describe his work as patient advocate is, 'tonglen'. Or, using his pain and hardship to help others.

    The Doctor Thyroid podcast is available in Spanish and English – and listened to in over 30 countries:

    www.doctiroides.com (Spanish)

    www.docthyroid.com (English)

    Please email your requests to [email protected]

    Instagram: @PhilipJames360

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/philip-james/

    Facebook: @philipb07

    YouTube: @Doctor Thyroid Twitter : @docthyroid

    4 min
  • Nerve Protection during Thyroid Ablation: An Interview with Dr. Catherine Sinclair

    A recent interview from the TNT conference on thyroid ablation in Italy, Philip James of the Doctor Thyroid and RFAMD podcasts had a one-on-one discussion with Dr. Catherine Sinclair, a seasoned head and neck surgeon from Melbourne, Australia. Having served at Mount Sinai in New York for 11 years before relocating back to Melbourne in 2021, Dr. Sinclair offers a unique perspective and extensive expertise in thyroid surgery and laryngology.

    The Importance of Nerve Protection

    As a specialist who's invested in both head and neck surgery and the voice box, Dr. Sinclair developed a keen interest in thyroid surgery due to the significant risks it presents to the vocal nerves during thyroid procedures, including during ablation. The laryngeal nerves, in particular, tend to be the patients' greatest concern during thyroid procedures due to the potential damage they might sustain.

    Many patients seeking Dr. Sinclair's services are often singers or professional voice users who want to avoid surgery out of fear for their vocal nerves. As such, they prefer ablation. However, as she explains, it is crucial that they understand the risks to the laryngeal nerves and other vital structures in the area and the strategies used to mitigate these risks during ablation.

    Limitations in Nerve Monitoring

    In surgery, nerve monitoring is employed to keep track of and protect the nerves. But with ablation, patients are usually awake, which means the conventional nerve monitoring technology can't be used. This presents a significant area of research on how to protect the nerves when the patient is conscious.

    Dr. Sinclair emphasizes that though the risk is slightly lessened with surgery, it still exists. To counter this, specific strategies are used to minimize potential damage, but it's never a guarantee that no injuries will occur.

    Patients' Preparedness and Awareness

    Patients must ask about the surgeon's experience, the number of ablations performed, and any potential complications that they should worry about. The more experienced the surgeon, the less likely there are to be complications of any kind, nerve injury included.

    Contrary to some patients' assumptions, nerve monitoring isn't used in ablation since it requires general anesthesia. Early in her ablation experience, Dr. Sinclair used nerve monitoring on patients under general anesthesia. This procedure showed that nerve potentials remain stable as long as lower energy is used at the back of the thyroid gland where the nerves run. Furthermore, by minimizing time spent in the critical zones, nerve injury can be mostly prevented.

    Real-time Vocal Assessment

    During ablation, Dr. Sinclair often asks her patients to count in a monotone. This simple technique allows her to detect any changes in the voice, a potential indicator of nerve damage due to heat during the procedure. According to her, this method has helped prevent nerve issues.

    State of Thyroid Ablation in Australia

    Until recently, Dr. Sinclair was the only one performing thyroid ablations in Australia. Now, a colleague has started doing them in Western Australia. However, given the demand and the country's size, she anticipates more physicians will adopt this procedure. Her main concern is ensuring that it's done safely, with physicians possessing good ultrasound skills, interventional biopsy skills, and comprehensive knowledge of neck anatomy.

    Final Thoughts

    Dr. Sinclair's parting advice to those considering thyroid ablation or thyroidectomy is to have realistic expectations. They should understand that injuries can happen despite the best precautions. However, the experience of the proceduralist can help lessen complications, and there are strategies to reduce the likelihood of nerve damage. Patients should also be well-informed and know what questions to ask their proceduralist before opting for ablation.

    Interested parties can reach Dr. Sinclair by email at [email protected]. She encourages inquiries from both domestic and international individuals.

    Find ablation doctor: www.rfamd.com

    🔷🔷🔷🔷The Doctor Thyroid and RFAMD podcast with Philip James is listened to in 100+ countries. It is a preferred patient resource for information related to thyroid cancer, RFA, hypothyroidism, pathology, and radiation therapy.

    Contact Philip [email protected]

    www.rfamd.com www.docthyroid.com

    About Philip James

    He is the host of the popular podcast: Doctor Thyroidwww.docthyroid.com

    In 2013, his laryngeal nerve was severed, shoulder nerve damaged, parathyroids ruined, and residual cancer left behind — all for a 1 cm thyroid nodule.Later, a vocal cord implant was inserted to help him speak.

    100+ episodes later, the Doctor Thyroid podcast is popular amongst patients; allowing them to access information from top doctors, without being limited by geography or economics.

    The word he uses to describe his work as patient advocate is, 'tonglen'. Or, using his pain and hardship to help others.

    The Doctor Thyroid podcast is available in Spanish and English – and listened to in over 30 countries:

    www.doctiroides.com (Spanish)

    www.docthyroid.com (English)

    Please email your requests to [email protected]

    Instagram: @PhilipJames360

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/philip-james/

    Facebook: @philipb07

    YouTube: @Doctor Thyroid Twitter : @docthyroid

    10 min
  • Choosing Surveillance Over Surgery 🏥 Thyroid Cancer Treatments Revolutionized

    @mskcc @DoctorThyroid @kumahospital

    In recent years, innovative methods in thyroid cancer management have drastically changed the field, and potentially the future of cancer treatments overall. A thought-provoking revelation comes from a discussion held at the World Congress on Thyroid Cancer in London, where a paradigm-shifting concept was discussed by two highly respected figures in the field.

    Dr. Akira Miyauchi of Kuma Hospital in Kobe, Japan, and Dr. Michael Tuttle from Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, unveiled a practice that goes against traditional medical protocol: favoring active surveillance over immediate surgery in managing papillary thyroid cancer. The method has been utilized at Kuma Hospital for 30 years, and in this time, not one patient has died from this type of cancer. This groundbreaking revelation was discussed in a live interview hosted by Philip James of the Doctor Thyroid podcast.

    According to Dr. Miyauchi, the original proposal for this trial of active surveillance was approved and initiated in 1993. It is based on the principle that early intervention is not always critical. Instead, the method favors regular monitoring of the patient's condition to identify any changes in the cancer's progression.

    "The most important thing might be the unclosing safety of the active surveillance. Compared to immediate surgery, the instances of unfavorable events such as vocal cord paralysis, hypoparathyroidisms, or patients with surgical scars, patients taking Levothyroxine - these instances are significantly smaller in active surveillance," explained Dr. Miyauchi.

    The focus of active surveillance is not to disregard treatment but to delay intervention until necessary, allowing for better management of the disease. This, in turn, reduces the risk of complications often associated with early and possibly unnecessary surgery.

    However, surveillance does not mean the absence of treatment. Many patients are proactive in their health management, adopting healthier lifestyles, engaging in physical activities, and sometimes utilizing alternative treatments. The goal remains the same: to halt or slow the progression of the cancer.

    Dr. Tuttle reiterated that the outcomes and survival rates between early and delayed intervention are largely the same. Importantly, patients who do show a small increase in the size of the cancer or the appearance of small lymph nodes in the neck can still be efficiently treated with delayed surgery. This does not compromise their chance of a full recovery or increase their risk of recurrence or distant metastasis.

    In the U.S., where active surveillance has been practiced for around 12 years, Dr. Tuttle's experience with patients who have needed to switch to surgery has been largely positive. Most were grateful for having been able to keep their thyroid for as long as they did, and many even reported feeling healthier due to the lifestyle changes they had implemented.

    "Having seen a few now that are on the other side of that, I can tell you for most people they weren't upset they weren't sad that we had to do something but they felt like they'd given it their best," Dr. Tuttle explained.

    This approach might, however, require a change in doctors' attitudes as well. It's not only about informing patients about their cancer but also managing their anxiety and uncertainty about the 'wait and see' strategy. The physicians' warm-heartedness, their reassuring demeanor, and the trust they establish with their patients are crucial factors that may significantly affect patients' psychological well-being.

    The shift from immediate surgical intervention to active surveillance represents a revolutionary approach to managing thyroid cancer. The results from the Kuma Hospital trial are prompting the medical community to rethink its strategies and consider adopting this new method more broadly. Although active surveillance might not be the right choice for all patients, it presents an alternative and safe option for those with papillary thyroid cancer, potentially improving both their physical and psychological quality of life.

    🔷🔷🔷🔷The Doctor Thyroid and RFAMD podcast with Philip James is listened to in 100+ countries. It is a preferred patient resource for information related to thyroid cancer, RFA, hypothyroidism, pathology, and radiation therapy.

    Contact Philip [email protected]

    www.rfamd.com www.docthyroid.com

    About Philip James

    He is the host of the popular podcast: Doctor Thyroidwww.docthyroid.com

    In 2013, his laryngeal nerve was severed, shoulder nerve damaged, parathyroids ruined, and residual cancer left behind — all for a 1 cm thyroid nodule.Later, a vocal cord implant was inserted to help him speak.

    100+ episodes later, the Doctor Thyroid podcast is popular amongst patients; allowing them to access information from top doctors, without being limited by geography or economics.

    The word he uses to describe his work as patient advocate is, 'tonglen'. Or, using his pain and hardship to help others.

    The Doctor Thyroid podcast is available in Spanish and English – and listened to in over 30 countries:

    www.doctiroides.com (Spanish)

    www.docthyroid.com (English)

    Please email your requests to [email protected]

    Instagram: @PhilipJames360

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/philip-james/

    Facebook: @philipb07

    YouTube: @Doctor Thyroid Twitter : @docthyroid

    39 min
  • Dr. Volpi on Thyroid Ablation: Future of Cancer Treatment

    We recently had the unique opportunity to converse with esteemed Dr. Erivelto Volpi from Brazil at the Thyroid Ablation Conference held in Italy. www.rfamd.com As an authority on thyroid treatments, he took the time to share his insights and valuable experience with us. Just a week before, we had caught up with him at the World Congress on Thyroid Cancer in London, and we were delighted to sit down with him again.

    The conference presented a golden opportunity for specialists from around the globe to converge, exchange thoughts, and learn from the experts in the field. One area that stood out more than ever at this conference was the exploration of thyroid cancer treatment with ablation. Dr. Volpi explained, "it is a new field, and in selected patients, we can offer the opportunity to avoid surgery using thermal ablations technologies."

    Dr. Volpi emphasized that it is crucial to understand that ablation is indeed a viable option for treating thyroid cancer. However, patient selection plays an integral role in determining its effectiveness. "Usually, nodules up to one centimeter located inside the thyroid parenchyma are considered suitable cases. The results in terms of the treatment outcomes are exactly the same as those from a conventional surgery," he noted.

    Brazil has been at the forefront of using ablation as a treatment option for thyroid nodules for over a decade. As this methodology is now gaining momentum globally, including in the U.S. and countries like Indonesia, Dr. Volpi offers lessons from Brazil's experience.

    His key piece of advice for doctors new to this treatment method is to begin with benign and small-sized nodules. "When you start to do RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation), always start with benign nodules and not so huge nodules. For patients with cosmetic or symptomatic nodules, RFA is a very good option when starting your learning curve," he advises. This strategy, he believes, will be beneficial not just for patients, but also for doctors who are beginning to learn this procedure.

    As doctors gain more experience, they can confidently tackle more challenging cases. His wealth of wisdom and expert advice indeed provide a smooth path for budding doctors who want to specialize in thyroid ablation.

    For those interested in contacting Dr. Volpi for more insights, he invites them to reach out via Instagram, Facebook, or email. He continues to share his valuable knowledge and expertise with the global medical community, furthering the development and application of thyroid ablation as an effective treatment option.

    Our conversation with Dr. Volpi offered a fascinating look at the world of thyroid ablation, the possibilities it presents, and the importance of taking a strategic approach when implementing this innovative treatment option. We thank Dr. Volpi for his valuable time and insights shared during this enlightening interview. As we concluded our session in the charming backdrop of Italy, we were inspired by the future possibilities of thyroid treatment.

    View Dr. Erivelto Volpi Full Profile: https://www.rfamd.com/erivelto-volpi/

    Find an RFA doctor at www.rfamd.com

    About Philip James

    He is the host of the popular podcast: Doctor Thyroid www.docthyroid.com

    In 2013, his laryngeal nerve was severed, shoulder nerve damaged, parathyroids ruined, and residual cancer left behind — all for a 1 cm thyroid nodule. Later, a vocal cord implant was inserted to help him speak.

    100+ episodes later, the Doctor Thyroid podcast is popular amongst patients; allowing them to access information from top doctors, without being limited by geography or economics.

    The word he uses to describe his work as patient advocate is, 'tonglen'. Or, using his pain and hardship to help others.

    4 min
  • UK Doctors Recommended Surgery for Thyroid Goiter, But Italian Doctor Offers Non-Surgical Alternative with RFA
    In the world of medicine, it's not uncommon for patients to feel overwhelmed and uncertain when faced with a diagnosis that requires surgery. For Peter Miller, a 64-year-old man from the UK, this was certainly the case when he was diagnosed with thyroid goiter. Three specialists recommended thyroidectomy as the only viable treatment option, but Peter was hesitant to undergo such a procedure due to the potential risks and complications associated with it.

    Fortunately, Peter took matters into his own hands and conducted his own research, which led him to an alternative treatment option - Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). Through an article written by Philip James and the Philip James YouTube channel, Peter discovered Dr. Roberto Valcavi, an Appalachian doctor in Italy, who had experience performing the RFA procedure.

    After discussing his options with Dr. Valcavi via email and video consultation, Peter underwent the RFA procedure in Italy. The results were remarkable - Peter experienced significant improvement in his symptoms, and he was happy to have avoided surgery.

    Peter's story highlights the importance of being an advocate for your own health and well-being. Conducting research, seeking second opinions, and exploring all treatment options are crucial steps in making informed medical decisions. Peter's success with RFA also underscores the importance of raising awareness about this non-surgical treatment option.

    Despite its efficacy, RFA is not widely available in many countries, and healthcare professionals may not be aware of it as a treatment option for thyroid goiter. It is crucial to raise awareness about RFA so that patients have access to all viable treatment options.

    Peter's experience with RFA serves as an inspiration for patients who may be hesitant to undergo surgery for thyroid goiter. Being your own advocate, doing research, and exploring all treatment options can lead to better health outcomes. And with the help of knowledgeable medical professionals like Dr. Valcavi, patients can find the right treatment option that works best for them.

    About Dr. Roberto Valcavi

    Roberto Valcavi MD, FACE, ECNU is a specialist in Endocrinology and a specialist in Internal Medicine. 20 years and 1800+ RFA procedures done; laser since 2000 and radiofrequency ablation starting in 2010.

    At present, Dr. Roberto Valcavi is the Director of the E.T.C. (Endocrine & Thyroid Clinic) in Reggio Emilia, Italy, dedicated to the diagnosis and therapy of endocrine neck (thyroid, parathyroid, lymph nodes) benign and malignant lesions.

    He is specialized in ultrasound-guided ablative therapy of thyroid nodules by radio frequency (RFA), a minimally invasive surgery that is able to effectively treat more than 90 % of benign thyroid nodules and over 80 % of malignant thyroid nodules, saving the thyroid gland.

    View Full Profile: Dr. Roberto Valcavi

    About Philip James

    About Philip James He is the host of the popular podcast: Doctor Thyroid www.docthyroid.com In 2013, his laryngeal nerve was severed, shoulder nerve damaged, parathyroids ruined, and residual cancer left behind — all for a 1 cm thyroid nodule. Later, a vocal cord implant was inserted to help him speak. 100+ episodes later, the Doctor Thyroid podcast is popular amongst patients; allowing them to access information from top doctors, without being limited by geography or economics. The word he uses to describe his work as patient advocate is, 'tonglen'. Or, using his pain and hardship to help others. The Doctor Thyroid podcast is available in Spanish and English – and listened to in over 30 countries: www.doctiroides.com (Spanish) www.docthyroid.com (English) Please email your requests to [email protected] Instagram: @PhilipJames360 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/philip-james/ Facebook: @philipb07 YouTube: @Doctor Thyroid Twitter : @docthyroid

    About RFAMD

    RFAMD is solely dedicated to helping healthcare organizations build deeper, enduring relationships with patients. Our team brings together expertise and insights to create enterprise-wide solutions that transform the patient experience. With years of experience in understanding the patient's journey, we can help healthcare organizations thrive in today's patient-centered healthcare market. Our range of solutions includes smart, measurable patient acquisition programs, physician marketing touch-points that drive referrals into priority service lines, and credible, easy-to-digest content at the point of care and beyond, in patients' preferred formats and languages. We also provide brand strategies that increase patient preference and physician referrals and differentiate your brand in the market through reputation-building tools. Our commitment is to enable providers and payers to deliver personalized care by activating, educating, and motivating patients to prioritize their health every day. As your strategic partner, we combine our unique capabilities and industry expertise to better engage patients at every step of their health journey. Our goal is to help healthcare organizations achieve stronger patient and member outcomes, sustained improvements in brand reputation, measurable gains in market share, and increased revenue.

    www.rfamd.com

    Read the article written by Philip James that saved Peter's thyroid:https://docthyroid.com/what-happens-when-thyroid-surgery-turns-out-bad/

    25 min
  • Functional Medicine Embraces Thyroid Ablation (RFA) 🛑 with Dr. Angela Mazza

    Find an RFA doctor at www.rfamd.com

    In an interview with Philip James from the RFAMD podcast, Dr. Mazza explained why functional medicine and ablation are a good marriage, and how RFA has become an essential tool in her practice.

    Functional medicine looks at the person as a whole, integrating traditional medicine with a holistic approach. Dr. Mazza uses traditional therapies and combines them with lifestyle strategies, different nutraceuticals, and additional functional testing that looks at other things, other than just traditional labs like gut testing and food sensitivities, and hormone testing. She believes in finding the root cause of what's going on and helping patients have their best lives.

    Dr. Mazza has been doing thyroid ultrasounds and biopsies for almost 15 years and has seen how the therapy of thyroid nodules has changed over the years. She understands that there are great functional treatments like nutraceuticals and lifestyle changes that can help all thyroid nodules, but that's not necessarily the case for a lot of patients with nodules. Therefore, she was happy to adopt radiofrequency ablation into her practice to provide patients with an alternative to surgery.

    The thyroid is essential for pretty much every aspect of our overall well-being, and it can be a challenge to recreate what the thyroid does when a patient has had their thyroid removed. Dr. Mazza believes that replacing thyroid hormone is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and not everybody responds to the same therapy. She has seen how some of her patients who have had thyroidectomy struggle to regain their health and wellness, and how it can be challenging to bring someone back to where they were before they had their thyroid removed.

    Dr. Mazza is one of many doctors who are offering ablation to patients and advocating for saving the thyroid as long as the outcome is best for the patient. By adopting ablation as part of her practice, Dr. Mazza is helping her patients avoid surgery, which can be invasive and come with a range of risks and complications. Instead, RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat generated from radio waves to destroy the cells in the nodule, which can then be reabsorbed by the body.

    Functional medicine and ablation are a good marriage because they allow doctors to treat the patient as a whole and provide personalized care. With functional medicine, doctors can identify the root cause of the problem, and with ablation, they can provide patients with a less invasive alternative to surgery. Dr. Mazza's practice, the Metabolic Center for Wellness, provides patients with a range of treatments and therapies that aim to improve their overall health and wellness, and RFA is just one of the tools she uses to achieve that goal.

    If you're interested in learning more about functional medicine or RFA, you can contact Dr. Mazza through the Metabolic Center for Wellness website. Overall, functional medicine and ablation are proving to be a good combination for doctors like Dr. Mazza, who are committed to providing patients with personalized, holistic care that treats the whole person, not just their symptoms.

    🔷🔷🔷🔷 The Doctor Thyroid and RFAMD podcast with Philip James is listened to in 100+ countries. It is a preferred patient resource for information related to thyroid cancer, RFA, hypothyroidism, pathology, and radiation therapy.

    Contact Philip at [email protected]

    www.rfamd.com www.docthyroid.com

    About Dr. Angela Mazza

    Angela D. Mazza, D.O. is the founder and medical director of Metabolic Center for Wellness, P.A. in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Mazza strives to empower her patients to achieve their unique goals to manage their conditions, whether prediabetes, diabetes, thyroid or any endocrine issue, through education, lifestyle management, and support.

    Dr. Mazza has a significant research background in both basic and clinical realms of diabetes and has been principal investigator and sub-investigator on multiple large scale diabetes therapy and device trials. This expertise has led to multiple first-author publications and conference presentations. Passing forward knowledge is important to Dr. Mazza as evident through her teaching roles, whether on a student and resident level or on a community level. She is a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and has served on the Planning Committee for the ADA Clinical Care Conference.

    View Full Profile: Dr. Angela Mazza

    About Philip James

    He is the host of the popular podcast: Doctor Thyroid www.docthyroid.com

    In 2013, his laryngeal nerve was severed, shoulder nerve damaged, parathyroids ruined, and residual cancer left behind — all for a 1 cm thyroid nodule. Later, a vocal cord implant was inserted to help him speak.

    100+ episodes later, the Doctor Thyroid podcast is popular amongst patients; allowing them to access information from top doctors, without being limited by geography or economics.

    The word he uses to describe his work as patient advocate is, 'tonglen'. Or, using his pain and hardship to help others.

    The Doctor Thyroid podcast is available in Spanish and English – and listened to in over 30 countries:

    www.doctiroides.com (Spanish)

    www.docthyroid.com (English)

    Please email your requests to [email protected]

    Instagram: @PhilipJames360

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/philip-james/

    Facebook: @philipb07

    YouTube: @Doctor Thyroid Twitter : @docthyroid

    16 min

About RFAMD

From the publisher's feed

Remove thyroid nodules without surgery. Consider ablation instead, the non-surgical way to treat benign and malignant thyroid nodules.