Thyroid Gland Disorders

New Approach to Thyroid Surgery Eliminates Neck Scar

"We now have a minimally invasive way of determining if a thyroid nodule is cancerous," said Jose Dutra, M.D ., head and neck surgical oncologist and director of the Thyroid Surgical Clinic at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.  "It's an approach that more patients are comfortable pursuing.  If we can identify cancerous cells earlier we increase the chance of removing the cancer before it spreads."  

The procedure, transaxillary robotic thyroid surgery, utilizes 3D cameras and specially designed robotic arms to create a small incision within the armpit, the mechanical arms work just like hands allowing the specialized surgeon to operate remotely with precise control and movements to remove suspicious nodules.  

"The underarm area has fewer nerve endings than the anterior neck area, so there's less pain, no scarring on the neck, and with good care, the incision will heal faster," said Dutra, who is also an associate professor at the department of otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

This summer, became one of the first patients at Northwestern Memorial to undergo transaxillary thyroid robotic surgery.  The mother of two was impressed to have the option that left no visible scar and the quick recovery associated with the technique.  

"I didn't want to be reminded constantly, every morning when I get dressed that I had a scar across my neck. I would have to explain to everyone what happened all the time," expressed Delaluz.  

Another benefit of the minimally invasive approach is that the precision of the robot allows physicians to remove all of the potentially cancerous tissue while sparing more of the structure surrounding the gland.

Seaweed, Weight Loss, and Healthy Thyroid Gland Function ...

Time to add a new food to a balanced diet to promote healthy weight loss — seaweed. Sea greens such as kelp, dulse, and nori are incredibly rich sources of nutrition, nourishing the entire body, promoting beautiful hair and skin, energizing, cleansing, and balancing. They are one of the best natural sources of iodine, a mineral that is necessary for proper thyroid gland function. A healthy thyroid is essential for weight loss. Learn about the connection between seaweed, iodine, the thyroid gland, and weight loss.

Why are sea greens so good for you? They are a concentrated source of enzymes, amino acids, essential fatty acids , minerals, trace elements, chlorophyll, vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, and fiber. As the earth is often depleted of trace elements and minerals, sea greens supply as much as ten to twenty times as many minerals as land plants. Some of these nutrients, including algin which absorbs toxins and stimulates lymphatic drainage, help to encourage the release of stored fat, reducing cellulite.

The mineral found in seaweed that can help promote weight loss is iodine. Sufficient iodine in the diet supports the thyroid gland and prevents gland disorders such as prostate inflammation, adrenal exhaustion, and uterine fibroids. A deficiency of this mineral is linked to weight gain, fatigue, and in children, mental retardation. In the American diet iodine is found in table salt, seafood, garlic, mushrooms, asparagus, and of course seaweed. Deficiencies are rare as most people get their iodine from table salt.

How does the iodine found in seaweed support the thyroid gland? This mineral is used by the thyroid to make thyrozin. This enzyme helps to regulate metabolism. Iodine also combines with the amino acid tyrosine to form thyroglobulin. This compound is stored in the thyroid gland and transformed into thyroid hormone as needed. This hormone regulates metabolism, cholesterol, and the use of protein, carbohydrates, and carotenes.

A properly functioning gland is able to release enough thyroid hormone into the blood stream to support healthy energy levels. Eating seaweed can even support a healthy libido as the thyroid, along with the adrenal glands, determine the production of sex hormones.

Adding different sea greens to your diet will help the body shed excess fat and maintain a healthy weight. With healthy thyroid gland function the body is able to metabolize food efficiently, turning calories into energy rather than stored fat. Natural thyroid support also translates into increased energy levels, especially if fatigue was present due to an under-active thyroid. More energy and you may be more inclined to get a little more physical activity in each day to support healthy weight loss.

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