Thyroid nodules are abnormal growths that form a lump in the thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck. They are quite common, especially among older people, with up to 70% of people having at least one.
While most thyroid nodules are benign (non-cancerous) and won’t need treatment, some do grow large enough to visibly see on the neck or cause symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, pain or pressure, and hoarseness or other voice changes. If you have benign nodules(s) that are causing symptoms, speak to your physician about considering treatment.
While surgery to remove the nodule is an option, a new minimally invasive approach called radiofrequency ablation can shrink the nodule in a brief outpatient procedure.
What is radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure that uses an electrical current to generate heat which destroys tissue. Using ultrasound imaging for guidance, a needle is inserted into the nodule which “ablates” or destroys the abnormal tissue, shrinking the nodule.
RFA procedures are used for many conditions, including treating tumors, managing chronic neck, back, knee or peripheral nerve pain, and even some heart rhythm problems. At Roswell Park, other types of ablation procedures are used to treat tumors in the lung, liver, kidney and pancreas.
If you have a troublesome thyroid nodule, first you’ll be evaluated in the Interventional Radiology clinic and undergo some testing to make sure that it’s not cancerous and determine whether your nodule can be treated with RFA. These tests may include:
- Ultrasound exam
- CT scan
- Blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels
- Core needle biopsy
If your thyroid nodule is cancerous, surgery to remove the nodule is generally preferred. However, radiofrequency ablation may be an option if you are unable to undergo surgery due to other health conditions.
How radiofrequency ablation works
As a patient undergoing this procedure, you will be given a light sedative so that while you’ll remain awake, you will not feel any pain. The physician uses ultrasound imaging to guide the placement of the probe through the skin and directly into the nodule. The probe generates heat to precisely ablate the nodule tissue, leaving normal thyroid tissue intact.
The procedure normally takes about 30 minutes. You’ll remain in a recovery area for about an hour, and typically return home the same day. You may experience some soreness at the site for 1 to 2 days which is usually relieved with ice and an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol. Some patients may experience a raspy voice for a few days.
Benefits of radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation offers a nonsurgical, minimally invasive way to relieve symptoms posed by some large thyroid nodules, without incisions or scars, or affecting normal function of the thyroid gland. Compared to surgery, RFA is associated with reduced complications and improved quality of life score.
At Roswell Park, these procedures are performed by fellowship-trained interventional radiologists, physicians who specialize in using advanced imaging technology to intervene —diagnose or treat — disease or conditions. Roswell Park is the only center in the region to offer radiofrequency ablation for thyroid nodules and some thyroid cancers in patients who are unable to have surgery.