The Future of Thyroid Treatment: Advanced RFA, Microcarcinoma, and Taiwan's "One-Stop Shop" Model 🇹🇼

This episode of Save Your Thyroid unveils the groundbreaking world of Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). Host Jennifer Holkem speaks with Dr. Chan Jung Chang, an expert Otolaryngologist from Taiwan, about the future of non-surgical thyroid treatment for both thyroid nodules and papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

Dr. Chang details why RFA is so widely preferred in Taiwan—driven by a cultural desire for no scarring—and how their streamlined patient journey (the "one-stop shop" model) allows patients to receive comprehensive diagnosis and treatment in just two weeks.

Learn about the advanced techniques crucial for maximizing RFA safety and success: the use of Hydrodissection (enhanced with hyaluronic acid) to protect the vocal cord nerve, and Arterial Ablation to prevent tumor regrowth. Discover the criteria for considering this non-invasive alternative for cancer, why there is no strict size ceiling for RFA, and the importance of consistent long-term follow-up care.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Thyroid Health Innovations

04:16 Cultural Perspectives on Thyroid Treatment

08:36 Streamlined Patient Journey in Taiwan (The "One-Stop Shop")

13:46 Complex Cases and Hydrodissection Techniques

24:39 Advanced Techniques in RFA and Patient Concerns

30:05 Patient Experiences with RFA Procedures

35:00 Criteria for Treating Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma

39:51 Follow-Up Protocols After RFA Treatment

44:45 The Future of RFA in Thyroid Cancer Treatment

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Disclaimer: None of the statements made in this or any other video by Jennifer Holkem or "Its me Jen again" should be considered medical advice.

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Resources:

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👉Patient site: https://www.saveyourthyroid.org/

👉Private FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroidnonsurgical

👉Patient Navigation: https://www.saveyourthyroidwithjen.com/p/patient-navigation-services/

#ThyroidRFA #ThyroidCancer #NonSurgicalTreatment #ThyroidNodules #PapillaryMicrocarcinoma #Hydrodissection #ArterialAblation #SaveYourThyroid #ThyroidHealth #PatientAdvocacy #DrChanJungChang

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What are the real risks of thyroid surgery? A top otolaryngologist (ENT) surgeon, Dr. Michael J. Wolfe, joins me to discuss how to protect your voice and parathyroid glands—and when non-surgical Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a better option.

In this episode, Dr. Michael J. Wolfe explains the crucial role ENTs play in thyroid care due to their deep expertise in neck anatomy. We explore the full diagnostic process for thyroid nodules, what your biopsy results really mean, and have a candid discussion comparing traditional thyroid surgery to the minimally invasive alternative, RFA.

Dr. Wolfe emphasizes the importance of patient empowerment and making informed decisions about your thyroid health.

In this episode, we cover:

👉The "Big Two" risks of thyroid surgery: protecting your voice and your parathyroid glands

👉An ENT's expert view on the thyroid diagnostic process (imaging, biopsies)

👉Understanding thyroid cancer diagnoses to help alleviate anxiety

👉When is surgery necessary vs. when is RFA a good alternative?

👉The importance of patient advocacy, education, and getting a second opinion

👉Why access to RFA is still limited and may require travel

🔔 Subscribe for more expert interviews and patient-centered thyroid education. 💬 What was your biggest takeaway from this discussion? Let us know in the comments below!

GUEST INFORMATION:

Dr. Michael J. Wolfe: https://proliancesurgeons.com/doctor/michael-j-wolfe-md-facs/

Disclaimer: None of the statements made in this or any other video by Jennifer Holkem or "Its me Jen again" should be considered medical advice.

Support the channel:

PAYPAL👉https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/itsmejenagain

VENMO👉https://account.venmo.com/u/itsme_jenagain

Affiliate links:

TOUPS AND CO👉https://toupsandco.com/jen

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Resources:

👉Podcast: https://www.saveyourthyroidwithjen.com/

👉Patient site: https://www.saveyourthyroid.org/

👉Private FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroidnonsurgical

👉Patient Navigation: https://www.saveyourthyroidwithjen.com/p/patient-navigation-services/

Hashtags:

#thyroidhealth #thyroidnodules #RFA #thyroidsurgery #radiofrequencyablation #ENT #otolaryngology #thyroidcancer #patientadvocacy #patienteducation #saveyourthyroidrfsn=7843863.50b9fa&shpxid=4137e8a5-8199-46cb-b71c-0f86d29924ff Resources: 👉Podcast: https://www.saveyourthyroidwithjen.com/ 👉Patient site: https://www.saveyourthyroid.org/ 👉Private FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroidnonsurgical 👉Patient Navigation: https://www.saveyourthyroidwithjen.com/p/patient-navigation-services/ Hashtags: #thyroidhealth #thyroidnodules #RFA #thyroidsurgery #radiofrequencyablation #ENT #otolaryngology #thyroidcancer #patientadvocacy #patienteducation #saveyourthyroid

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What's the hidden link between insulin resistance and thyroid nodules? Top endocrinologist Dr. Ahmet Ergin (@SugarMDs) joins me for an enlightening conversation about holistic thyroid health.

In this powerful discussion, Dr. Ergin shares how integrative endocrinology, which blends traditional methods with functional medicine, is key to managing thyroid disorders. We explore the critical role of patient education and how lifestyle changes in diet, sleep, and exercise can profoundly impact your health.

Dr. Ergin gives his expert take on:

How insulin resistance is directly linked to the development of thyroid nodules.

The pros and cons of the carnivore diet for thyroid patients.

Beneficial supplements for thyroid function, including Vitamin A, Zinc, and Omega-3s.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): an innovative, non-surgical option for treating thyroid nodules.

Why it's crucial for patients to be proactive about monitoring and treating nodules.

Updates on insurance coverage for RFA.

If you are managing a thyroid condition or simply want to take charge of your health, this episode is a must-watch!

🔔 Subscribe for more expert interviews and patient-centered thyroid education. 💬 What was your biggest takeaway? Let us know in the comments below!

Dr. Ahmet Ergin's links:

tcendo.com

facebook.com/people/Diabetes-Thyroid-Hormone-Center-Of-The-Treasure-Coast/61571063654043/#

youtube.com/@SugarMDs

sugarmds.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Thyroid Health and Patient-Centered Care

02:07 Integrative Approach to Thyroid Treatment

04:32 The Role of YouTube in Patient Education

06:54 Link Between Insulin Resistance and Thyroid Nodules

09:38 Prioritizing Treatment for Thyroid Nodules

12:10 Lifestyle Changes for Thyroid and Metabolic Health

14:54 Supplements for Thyroid Disorders

17:31 Exploring the Carnivore Diet and Its Effects

20:04 Understanding the Microbiome and Dietary Impacts

27:09 Understanding T3 and Its Importance

28:16 Non-Surgical Treatments for Thyroid Nodules

31:08 Patient Experiences with RFA

34:36 Identifying Ideal Candidates for RFA

37:30 Complex Cases and RFA

40:06 The RFA Procedure Experience

42:32 Expected Results from RFA

46:20 Navigating Costs and Insurance for RFA

48:08 Key Takeaways for Patients

50:16 Navigating Thyroid Health and Community Support

Disclaimer: None of the statements made in this or any other video by Jennifer Holkem or "Its me Jen again" should be considered medical advice.

Support the channel:

PAYPAL👉https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/itsmejenagain

VENMO👉https://account.venmo.com/u/itsme_jenagain

Affiliate links:

TOUPS AND CO👉https://toupsandco.com/jen

RIVERSIDE👉https://www.riverside.fm/?via=itsmejenagain

VAN MAN👉https://vanman.shop/?ref=itsmejenagain

BON CHARGE👉https://us.boncharge.com/?rfsn=7843863.50b9fa&shpxid=4137e8a5-8199-46cb-b71c-0f86d29924ff

Resources:

👉Podcast: https://www.saveyourthyroidwithjen.com/

👉Patient site: https://www.saveyourthyroid.org/

👉Private FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroidnonsurgical

👉Patient Navigation: https://www.saveyourthyroidwithjen.com/p/patient-navigation-services/

Hashtags:

#thyroidhealth #thyroidnodules #insulinresistance #RFA #drahmetErgin #sugarmds #integrativeendocrinology #patienteducation #radiofrequencyablation #lifestylechanges

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