If you have been diagnosed with benign thyroid nodules, you may be experiencing a range of symptoms that impact your daily life. These symptoms include difficulty swallowing, discomfort, and an enlarged thyroid gland. While surgery is a traditional treatment option, thyroid radiofrequency ablation Newport has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative.
Thyroid radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat generated by high-frequency electrical energy to destroy benign thyroid nodules. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia with ultrasound imaging guidance.
Reasons to consider thyroid RFA
- Non-invasive treatment: Thyroid RFA is a non-invasive treatment option for benign thyroid nodules that can be performed on an outpatient basis. Unlike traditional surgical options, there are no incisions or scarring, and recovery time is usually shorter.
- Symptom relief: Thyroid nodules can cause discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and an enlarged thyroid gland. Thyroid RFA can shrink the nodules, relieving these symptoms and improving a patient’s quality of life.
- Preserving thyroid function: Traditional surgical options for thyroid nodules can sometimes result in hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Thyroid RFA has been shown to preserve thyroid function, minimizing the risk of developing hypothyroidism.
- Safe and effective: Studies have shown that thyroid RFA is a safe and effective treatment option for benign thyroid nodules. The procedure has a low risk of complications, and the success rate of the procedure is high.
- Alternative to surgery: For patients who are not good candidates for surgery or prefer a less invasive option, thyroid RFA can be a viable alternative to traditional surgical options.
- Faster recovery time: Compared to traditional surgical options, thyroid RFA usually involves a shorter recovery time. Patients can usually return to normal activities within a few days of the procedure.
- Reduced risk of complications: Compared to traditional surgical options, thyroid RFA has a reduced risk of complications. The procedure is minimally invasive and does not require general anesthesia, which can reduce the risk of complications associated with surgery.
Some of the thyroid-related conditions that thyroid RFA can treat include:
- Benign thyroid nodules: Benign thyroid nodules are the most common condition treated with thyroid RFA. These non-cancerous growths on the thyroid gland can cause discomfort and other symptoms.
- Autonomously functioning thyroid nodules: This condition occurs when a nodule on the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, causing hyperthyroidism. Thyroid RFA can destroy the nodule and reduce thyroid hormone production.
- Recurrent thyroid cancer: In some cases, thyroid RFA can treat recurrent thyroid cancer that has returned after previous treatment. It is usually used with other treatments, such as surgery or radioactive iodine therapy.
- Thyroid cysts: A thyroid cyst is a fluid-filled sac on the thyroid gland that can cause discomfort and other symptoms. Thyroid RFA can destroy the cyst, reducing its size and relieving symptoms.
- Thyroid microcarcinomas are small thyroid cancers that are less than 1 cm in size. In some cases, thyroid RFA can treat these cancers instead of surgery.
It is advisable to consult with Dr. Sean P. Nikravan, MD, FACE, to determine if thyroid RFA is the best treatment option for your specific condition.
