Overview
Thyroid nodules are common and increase in frequency as people age. Most of these thyroid nodules are not cancerous. Despite not being malignant, some thyroid nodules can cause symptoms or lead to other issues that result in the desire to seek treatment. Reasons that some patients may want their thyroid nodule treated include: a growing thyroid nodule, an overactive thyroid nodule causing hyperthyroidism, pressure in the neck, a sensation of a lump in the throat, changes in swallowing, a visible lump that causes cosmetic concerns and many other reasons. Traditionally, surgery involving general anesthesia and the removal of part, or all, of the thyroid gland was required to treat these thyroid nodules. Radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules was developed as an alternative to surgery for certain thyroid nodules. The aim of radiofrequency ablation treatment of thyroid nodules is to address the symptoms and other issues without involving an operation, long-term thyroid medication (like Levothyroxine) or a pronounced recovery time.
What is Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation has emerged as an alternative to surgery to treat thyroid nodules in some patients. It is a minimally invasive treatment option when compared to traditional surgery aimed at reducing the nodule size, treating a hyperfunctioning thyroid nodule, and/or improve the patient's symptoms and other issues.
How it is Done at The ENT Specialty Group
The patient usually returns home soon after the radiofrequency ablation procedure is completed. Most patients resume their daily activities with minimal delay. As the reduction in size of the treated thyroid nodule occurs, the patients’ symptoms slowly improve. A second or third radiofrequency ablation session is sometimes necessary to treat these thyroid nodules.
After Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules is usually a well-tolerated procedure with a low risk of serious long-term side effects. Complications are uncommon and mostly transient. The most common side effect is pain, although severe pain is unusual. If discomfort is pronounced after injection of local anesthetic and during the procedure, it can be resolved by increasing the dose of local anesthetic. Skin burns, hematoma, bruising, infection and abscesses have been reported side effects with this technique, although they are uncommon. Nerve injuries, including voice changes and swallowing issues, Horner’s Syndrome, spinal accessory nerve and brachial plexus injury, can happen as well.
Overall, radiofrequency is a minimally invasive non-surgical innovation used to treat thyroid nodules that present with a multitude of issues and symptomatology. It is usually well tolerated. It is important to speak with your health care provider about this technique to determine whether it is an option to treat your thyroid nodule.
Want to know more about RFA? Check out our blog posts about it below:
Everything You Need to Know About Radiofrequency Ablation for Thyroid Nodules
“Exploring the Potential of Radiofrequency Ablation in Treating Hyperfunctioning Thyroid Nodules”
“Understanding the Likelihood of Repeat Radiofrequency Ablation for Thyroid Nodules”
“Exploring the Comfort of Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Thyroid Nodules: Does it Hurt?”