Posts by navinniles@icloud.com

• Adrenal Masses

  Workup of Adrenal Adenomas Adrenal adenomas are common, often discovered incidentally when a scan is performed for another reason — hence the term ‘adrenal incidentaloma.’ While most are benign and non-functioning, some can produce hormones or rarely represent malignant disease. The key to evaluation is determining whether the mass is hormonally active and benign or […]

• NIFTP A Cancer that is no longer a Cancer !!!

  NIFTP in Thyroid “Cancer”: What Changed—and Why It Mattered Key takeaway NIFTP is not cancer. In 2016, an international panel re-classified a common, indolent thyroid tumour—previously called the encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (EFVPTC)—as Non-Invasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP). The word carcinoma was deliberately removed to reduce overdiagnosis and […]

• Weight Gain and Thyroid Disease (I commonly get asked this question)

  Thyroid Disease and Weight: Understanding the Connection Introduction The thyroid gland plays a central role in regulating metabolism — the process by which the body converts food into energy. Because of this, any disorder of the thyroid can influence body weight. Yet the relationship between thyroid function and weight is often misunderstood. Many people attribute […]

• Weight Loss Drugs and Thyroid Disease (I commonly get asked this question)

  Semaglutide and Thyroid Disease: What You Need to Know Introduction Semaglutide has emerged as one of the most effective medications for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity, transforming metabolic health outcomes for many patients. Marketed under names like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus®, it belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1 […]

• Summary of the American Thyroid Association Guidelines for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

  ATA 2025 Guidelines for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer – What’s New Introduction The American Thyroid Association (ATA) released its long-awaited 2025 Guidelines for the Management of Adult Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (DTC), published in *Thyroid* (2025; 35[Suppl 1]:S1-S185). This comprehensive update builds on the 2015 framework, reflecting advances in molecular diagnostics, imaging, and targeted therapy, […]

• Facial Nerve in Parotid Surgery

  The Relationship Between the Facial Nerve and the Parotid Gland Introduction The facial nerve and the parotid gland share one of the most intricate and clinically significant relationships in head and neck anatomy. Understanding this relationship is essential not only for surgeons performing parotidectomy but also for clinicians diagnosing facial nerve palsy or parotid masses. […]

• Parotid Malignancies

  Understanding Parotid Malignancies: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis Introduction The parotid glands are the largest of the salivary glands and play a vital role in saliva production, aiding in digestion and oral health. While most parotid tumors are benign, a significant minority are malignant and require prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary management. Parotid malignancies are rare—representing less […]

• Parathyroid Gland Anatomy

  The Parathyroid Glands: Anatomical and Ectopic Locations The parathyroid glands are tiny yet vital endocrine organs responsible for regulating calcium balance. Though small — usually no larger than a grain of rice — their location and variation hold great surgical significance. For endocrine surgeons, understanding both their normal anatomy and potential ectopic positions is key […]

• Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Embryology and Anatomy

  The Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve: A Journey Through Embryology and Anatomy The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is one of the most fascinating structures in head and neck anatomy. Its course — descending deep into the thorax only to ascend again to the larynx — is a beautiful example of how embryology shapes adult anatomy. For surgeons, […]

• Embryology of the Thyroid Gland

  The Embryology of the Thyroid Gland: Tracing Its Journey from Tongue to Neck The thyroid gland — a small butterfly-shaped organ in the lower neck — plays a powerful role in metabolism, growth, and development. Yet, its origin story is as fascinating as its function. The embryological journey of the thyroid is a tale of […]