Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) is a newer non-surgical procedure that offers a safer and minimally invasive alternative to surgery.  Although relatively new to USA, this technology was approved by FDA 5 years ago, it has been widely practiced in Europe, UK, South Korea and Brazil. In this technique thermal energy is delivered through electrodes directly into the thyroid nodule. This results in tissue destruction and eventually scarring resulting in shrinkage of the nodule.

RFA offers an alternative non-surgical treatment for benign nodules that are causing pressure symptoms or cosmetic compromise.  This procedure  may also be used to treat 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.