Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are common, often benign growths that can sometimes cause discomfort or become cosmetically bothersome. Typically, surgery or watchful waiting were the main avenues of treatment.  More recently, thanks to advancements in technology, radiofrequency ablation has emerged as an effective non-surgical treatment for benign thyroid nodules.

What treatment options are available for benign thyroid nodules?   

Lifestyle Modifications:

In some cases, making certain lifestyle changes may help reduce the size of thyroid nodules. While these changes won’t directly shrink the nodules, they can support overall thyroid health and potentially slow the growth of the nodules and may reduce occurrence of new nodules. Consider the following:

• In cases of iodine deficiency, ensure adequate intake of iodine, a vital nutrient for thyroid function. Foods like iodized salt, seafood, dairy products, and seaweed are good sources of iodine.
• There are some studies that demonstrate insulin resistance and diabetes as potential causes in development of thyroid nodules. Consequently, lifestyle modifications including sugar consumption and refined carbohydrate consumption could affect thyroid nodule size and incidence.
• Correlation is seen in obesity. Lifestyle modifications targeting diet, exercise and weight-loss could improve thyroid health and nodule incidence.

Medication:

Medical therapy can be considered to manage thyroid nodules, especially if they are causing symptoms like hyperthyroidism or have suspicious characteristics. The most common medication used for this purpose is levothyroxine, which may help to suppress the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and reduce nodule growth.  Generally, medications do not affect the size of thyroid nodules in most cases.

Surgery:

For very large or symptomatic nodules, surgery can be an excellent therapeutic choice. Some disadvantages would include risk of laryngeal nerve injury or hoarseness, bleeding, the presence of a scar, and subsequent hypothyroidism (inability to make enough thyroid hormone).

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA):

RFA is a safe and effective procedure for reducing the size of benign thyroid nodules without surgery.  It involves using electrical energy in the form of radiofrequency waves to generate heat and destroy the nodule tissue. This minimally invasive technique is usually performed under local anesthesia and guided by real-time ultrasound imaging. RFA offers several benefits, including:

• High success rate. RFA has shown to be very effective in reducing nodule size significantly ranging from 50-75%
• No requirement for general anesthesia and a short procedure time.
• Minimal recovery time. Patients can typically resume regular activities shortly after the procedure.
• Low risk of complications. RFA is considered safe, with a low incidence of adverse effects.
• No incision and as a result no concern about skin cosmesis.

Thyroid nodules can be managed effectively without resorting to surgery, thanks to the advancement of non-surgical techniques like radiofrequency ablation, allowing patients to take advantage of procedures that are efficient, with low risk and significant benefit.

Before deciding on a treatment approach, you should consult an experienced healthcare professional who can evaluate your specific case and recommend the most suitable option.

With non-surgical methods like RFA available, individuals can now address thyroid nodules with confidence, knowing that a less invasive solution is within reach.

Read about Thyroid Nodule Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) at Fairfax Vascular Center, and schedule a consultation to learn more.