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Thyroid nodules are a lump or mass of cells on the thyroid gland. In the majority of the cases, the nodules are small, asymptomatic, and often discovered by the doctor on routine medical examination or during a scan done for other health reasons. The incidence of thyroid nodules is very common in adults and is detected in about 5-7% of adults during routine physical examination and in about 20-75% of adults during ultrasound scanning. However, thyroid nodules in children are less common.
Although a very common finding, most often, in fact, almost 95% of the thyroid nodules are benign, meaning the nodules do not have any cancer cells, do not cause any symptoms, or do not require any treatment. However, in some cases, treatments like thyroid laser ablation or radioactive thyroid ablation may be required when the glands may grow and become visibly large interfering with breathing and swallowing, may cause hoarseness of voice or pain in the neck, and may lead to enlargement of the thyroid gland (a condition medically known as goitre). In such cases, treatment becomes necessary, and thyroid ablation is emerging as a preferred option for many patients.
Synopsis
- What Is Thyroid Ablation?
- Why Is Thyroid Ablation Performed?
- Understanding the Thyroid Ablation Procedure
- So What Should One Do About Such Nodules?
- What Happens in Ablation?
- Why is US Guided Thyroid RFA Preferred Over Conventional Thyroid Surgery?
- Does US-guided Thyroid RFA Need Hospital Admission?
- Is US Guided Thyroid RFA Effective?
- Conclusion
What Is Thyroid Ablation?
Thyroid ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat or radiofrequency energy to shrink benign thyroid nodules. Unlike traditional surgery, it avoids large incisions and preserves thyroid function, making it an attractive option for patients seeking non-surgical solutions. There are different types of ablation:
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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Uses heat delivered through a needle to destroy nodule tissue.
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Thyroid Laser Ablation: Employs laser energy to achieve similar results.
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Radioactive Thyroid Ablation: Typically used for hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer, not benign nodules.
This distinction is important, as radioactive thyroid ablation serves a different purpose compared to RFA or thyroid laser ablation, which targets benign thyroid nodules. At Manipal Hospitals, our interventional radiology team specialises in ultrasound-guided thyroid ablation to ensure precision and safety.
Why Is Thyroid Ablation Performed?
While most thyroid nodules are harmless, some require treatment due to their size or symptoms. Thyroid ablation is performed for the following reasons:
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Non-Cancerous Growths |
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Symptom Relief |
Large nodules can press on the trachea, causing difficulty breathing or swallowing, or lead to neck swelling. Thyroid ablation reduces these symptoms by shrinking the nodule, improving comfort and function. |
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Surgical Alternative |
Thyroid ablation is ideal for patients who are unfit for surgery or prefer a less invasive approach. It offers a safe, effective solution without the risks associated with conventional thyroid surgery. |
Understanding the Thyroid Ablation Procedure
The thyroid ablation procedure is a carefully planned process performed by an interventional radiologist. Here’s how it works:
Evaluation
Before the procedure, an ultrasound and lab tests are conducted to confirm the nodule is benign and suitable for ultrasound-guided thyroid ablation. This ensures the treatment is tailored to the patient’s needs.
Step-by-Step
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Local Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia with mild intravenous sedation, ensuring comfort without the need for general anaesthesia.
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Ultrasound-Guided Electrode Insertion: Using ultrasound guidance, the radiologist inserts a special needle into the nodule via a pinhole technique.
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Heat Application: Heat or radiofrequency energy is delivered to ablate the nodule, causing it to shrink or dissolve completely. The procedure results in immediate nodule size reduction, with further shrinkage occurring over the next few days.
Types of Thyroid Ablation
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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): |
The most common method for benign thyroid nodules uses heat to destroy tissue. |
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Thyroid Laser Ablation: |
Uses laser energy for precise nodule reduction. |
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Radioactive Thyroid Ablation: |
Reserved for conditions like hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer, not typically used for benign nodules. |
So What Should One Do About Such Nodules?
If you notice that your thyroid nodule is growing in size or if you start experiencing any symptoms, it is recommended that you consult your doctor immediately for a suitable treatment. Based on a detailed assessment your doctor might suggest anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery. In recent times, a new treatment option called ultrasound-guided Radiofrequency Ablation (US-guided RFA) of the thyroid gland is emerging as the treatment of choice for thyroid nodules.
Consult the best hospital for interventional radiology in Sarjapur Road, Bangalore, to get treatment for thyroid nodules.
What Happens in Ablation?
US-guided thyroid RFA is a minimally invasive procedure. During the procedure a specialist called Interventional Radiologist uses a pinhole technique to direct a special needle into the nodule under ultrasound guidance and then deposit heat energy within the nodule to dissolve the nodule and eventually kill the nodule completely. There is a considerable reduction or shrinkage in the nodule size immediately after the procedure. The heatwaves deposited in the nodule continue to dissolve the remaining nodule (if any) over the next few days.
Why is US Guided Thyroid RFA Preferred Over Conventional Thyroid Surgery?
Conventional thyroid surgery is an invasive procedure and involves the risk of post-surgical complications. Whereas, in US-guided thyroid RFA, as it is a minimally invasive procedure, the whole procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and mild intravenous sedation. Moreover, since the procedure involves the insertion of the special needle through the pinhole technique, the procedure is painless or causes minimal pain and likewise causes nil to minimal scarring. Also, it helps avoid the risk of complications that may arise due to conventional surgery.
Does US-guided Thyroid RFA Need Hospital Admission?
Although the procedure can be done as a daycare procedure, in some cases a one-day admission may be required for insurance purposes. You will be discharged the same evening of the procedure and back to normal chores from the next day itself. Most patients resume work in a couple of days and this makes it very patient-friendly.
Is US Guided Thyroid RFA Effective?
The results of ablation for thyroid nodules are very encouraging and this has certainly been an important development in the field of modern medical care. Our team at Manipal Hospitals has started this new procedure in the last 18 months and now has experience with over 40 cases with good results and patient feedback has been very positive based on the last patient questionnaire data collected.
Consult an interventional radiologist in Bangalore for the best treatment and care for thyroid nodules.
Conclusion
Thyroid ablation is a game-changer in treating benign thyroid nodules, offering a minimally invasive, safe, and effective alternative to surgery. With benefits like faster recovery, minimal scarring, and preserved thyroid function, it’s no wonder why patients are choosing ultrasound-guided thyroid ablation at Manipal Hospitals.
Our experienced interventional radiology team in Sarjapur Road, Bangalore, is dedicated to providing cutting-edge care with proven results. If you’re struggling with thyroid nodules, consult our experts today to explore the best treatment options for you.
FAQ's
Thyroid ablation typically delivers long-lasting results, with most benign thyroid nodules shrinking significantly and rarely regrowing. Patients can expect sustained relief, with regular ultrasound follow-ups to monitor progress and ensure lasting outcomes.
In most cases, thyroid ablation preserves normal thyroid function, so you likely won’t need medication. Unlike traditional surgery, which may require lifelong hormone replacement, ablation targets only the nodule, leaving healthy thyroid tissue intact.
You may feel mild, temporary soreness or discomfort for 24–48 hours after the procedure, but this resolves quickly. Local anesthesia used during ultrasound-guided thyroid ablation ensures minimal discomfort, making the experience smooth and manageable.
You may feel mild, temporary soreness or discomfort for 24–48 hours after the procedure, but this resolves quickly. Local anesthesia used during ultrasound-guided thyroid ablation ensures minimal discomfort, making the experience smooth and manageable.
No, they are distinct. Radioactive thyroid ablation treats conditions like hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer, while radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and thyroid laser ablation are designed to shrink benign thyroid nodules with minimal invasiveness.
Yes, ultrasound-guided thyroid RFA offers clear advantages over surgery:
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Minimally Invasive: It uses a pinhole technique, leaving little to no scarring.
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Quick Recovery: Most patients return to work and daily routines within 1–2 days.
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Fewer Complications: It avoids the risks associated with traditional thyroid surgery, providing a safer alternative.
No, ultrasound-guided thyroid ablation is performed under local anesthesia with mild intravenous sedation, keeping you comfortable and awake. General anesthesia is not required, making the procedure less invasive and recovery faster.
Recovery is swift, with most patients discharged the same day or after a brief one-day stay for insurance purposes. You can typically resume daily activities and work within 1–2 days, making thyroid ablation highly convenient.
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