What is a Thyroid Nodule Ablation?
Thyroid nodule ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for thyroid nodules. This is most commonly performed to shrink benign (not cancer) thyroid nodules that are causing problems such as trouble swallowing or undesired bulging of the neck. It can also be done for thyroid cancer in patients who want to avoid surgery or are not good candidates for surgery.
Ablation uses heat or ice to destroy the nodule. Heating the nodule is done with “radiofrequency ablation (RFA).” Freezing the nodule is called “cryoablation.”
How is Thyroid Nodule Ablation done?
Thyroid nodule ablation is done with a skinny wand and medical imaging (ultrasound). Medicine may be given to help keep you comfortable. For RFA, grounding pads will be put on your body. After numbing your skin, the clinician puts the wand into the nodule through a pinhole in the skin. The tip of the wand then heats or freezes the nodule. The clinician may repeat this multiple times to treat the whole nodule. You may hear a popping sound. The clinician then removes the wand and puts a small bandage over the pinhole.
Thyroid Nodule Ablation
1. The clinician uses ultrasound to look for the nodule in the thyroid.
2. After numbing the skin, they place the wand into the nodule and turn on the wand to heat or freeze the nodule. This kills the nodule.
3. After removing the wand, the clinician puts a bandage over the pinhole. The nodule turns into a scar and shrinks over time.
What are the risks?
Thyroid nodule ablation is generally a safe procedure when done by a specialist.
Potential Complications
2 in 100 people for benign nodules (not cancer) and 1 in 10 people for cancer experience the following:
Temporary neck pain
Pain with swallowing
Other complications are very rare, and can include:
Nerve injury
Bleeding
Infection
Permanent trouble swallowing
Skin burns
Seizures
What are the alternatives?
Your treatment options depend on your preferences, overall health and unique conditions as well as the size, location, type, and number of nodules that you have. Sometimes you may benefit from a combination of these treatments.
Alternative 1 No Treatment. If the nodule is not cancerous and is not bothering you, then treatment may not be necessary.
Alternative 2 Surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. This is often the preferred treatment for thyroid cancer. Surgery has higher risk of complications and longer recovery.
Alternative 3 Radiation therapy. If the thyroid nodule is hyperactive, it can be treated with a pill containing radioactive iodine. The hyperactive nodule will take up the majority of the radioactive iodine. The radiation will then treat the nodule. This is also done for thyroid cancer after surgery.