Radio Frequency Ablation for Thyroid
Your thyroid
is worth saving.
What is RFA for Thyroid?
Thyroid Nodule Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) is a non-surgical procedure that uses an electrode with high frequency alternating current to cause thermal injury (burns) in soft tissue, leading to cell death and shrinking of the affected part. This procedure is used to treat benign thyroid nodules that cause pressure or cosmetic problems, autonomously functioning thyroid nodules as an alternative to surgery or radioactive iodine, and small primary thyroid or recurrent thyroid cancers that are not located near critical structures.
RFA is a safe and relatively quick treatment option with few side effects, and typically does not require the patient to take thyroid replacement medication as a result of the procedure.
RFA preserves your healthy thyroid tissue, helping the thyroid to function normally without the need for lifetime medication.
What is the traditional approach to Thyroid Nodule management?
Traditional thyroid nodule surgery involves the removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. This procedure is typically done to remove a small part of the thyroid gland in cases of an indeterminate lesion. The primary goal of this surgery is to diagnose and treat diseases such as thyroid cancer, nodules, and goiters. The surgeon may choose to perform a total thyroidectomy, a thyroid lobectomy, or a completion thyroidectomy [1]. Thyroid surgery can be done through an open incision in the neck, or through the mouth using a transoral procedure. Before the procedure, imaging and laboratory tests will be ordered to examine the vocal cords and detect any anomalies. After the procedure, the patient may receive antibiotics, antiemetics, and other medications to reduce the risk of complications. While the procedure can be risky, risks associated with any surgery can occur, and there is a risk that the thyroid may need to be removed, which can lead to a lifetime regime of medication to regulate the patients system.
Am I a Candidate?
Patients who are eligible for RFA treatment have benign thyroid nodules that are causing symptoms such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, compression against your neck or vocal cords, or formation of multinodular goiters Here at ENT Specialists, Inc., we are proud to offer radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of a number of thyroid conditions If you're suffering from benign thyroid nodules, can't safely undergo surgery, or would rather go through a minimally invasive procedure instead of surgery, you may be the perfect candidate for RFA. However, patients who have or previously had thyroid cancer are ineligible for RFA treatment. You will also not qualify for RFA if you've undergone thyroid surgery or radiation treatments of your thyroid. To find if your a real fit a biopsy is the first step.
Who is a good candidate for RFA?
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Persons with cosmetically bothersome thyroid nodules.
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Persons with biopsy-proven benign nodules causing symptoms.
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Patients with benign nodules that are growing quickly.
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Patients who cannot or choose not to have surgery.
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Patients with nodules that produce too much thyroid hormone.
Who is not an optimal candidate for RFA?
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Persons with very small thyroid nodules.
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Persons with implantable pacemakers and/or defibrillators.
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Persons on anticoagulation or blood thinners that cannot briefly be held for the procedure.
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Persons with severe heart disease.
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Persons who are pregnant.
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