Thyroid nodule puncture is a minimally invasive procedure, guided by ultrasound that allows precise incision, which makes it possible to obtain quality material for pathological study. The indication for the puncture of thyroid nodules has well-established criteria, since not all nodules are punctured. The purpose of the puncture is to rule out thyroid cancer or detect it early, and according to the results, evaluate what conduct or treatment to follow, explained Mgt. Prof. Dra. Ana Iris Ramírez Benítez, specialist in Endocrinology and Metabolism and postgraduate professor at the Faculty of Medical Sciences UNA.
The Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism of the FCMUNA has an area where the thyroid nodule puncture service is offered. The study is carried out prior to scheduling, then following a protocol of the nodule to be punctured. The samples are sent to Pathological Anatomy that determines the final diagnosis.
Attentions
Prof. Dr. Ramírez indicated that getting thyroid nodule puncture performed in the country is difficult, considering that there are few public hospitals that offer this procedure, in addition to the cost that performing this procedure represents in the private sector. The Faculty of Medical Sciences offers the service with a hospital fee, that is, with a cost much lower than usual.
“It is a procedure that is not performed in all public hospitals and in the private sector it has a high cost. The Department of Endocrinology carries out the puncture of thyroid nodules in a well-structured manner, adhering to the work protocol. Before performing the puncture, the clinical case is assessed, since puncture criteria are established through the pre-consultation where it is evaluated, the studies are reviewed and it is determined if it is necessary or not”, the teacher referred.
Prevention
In the event of any growth of the neck, appearance of lumps or a ganglion after palpation, it is important that the person go to medical evaluations for a better diagnosis and treatment. In addition, by having a family history of thyroid pathologies or symptoms that attract attention, as in the case of Hyperthyroidism: with symptoms of palpitations, tachycardia, tremor or diarrhea. Or in the case of Hypothyroidism: where tiredness, fatigue, anemia or swelling of the face appear, a specialist should be consulted.
The professional explained that many of the findings of thyroid nodules when conducting medical studies for other pathologies are casual or through physical palpation performed by the doctor in consultations, when nodules are suspected. The pathology of nodules is more frequent in women. The age of presentation is very diverse.
For the puncture study, the person must consult with the endocrinologist specialist or be referred by the treating physician; Once with the order, he approaches the secretary of the service, 4th. block floor of boarding schools, for evaluation consultation and if they meet the criteria for puncture.
Continuous training
The Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism of the Faculty of Medical Sciences UNA, Hospital de Clínicas apart from the service offered with the Puncture of Thyroid Nodules, also serves for the training of resident doctors of the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism. And by being protocolized, the data contribute to scientific research work. “It is important that the doctor in training can have the best teaching, and we believe that this simulation workshop trains them so that they can put it into practice,” he said.
