Thyroid surgery used to be the only treatment option for people who have thyroid nodules. But today’s technology lets thyroid rfa newport beach shrink and treat these nodules safely and effectively without surgery. Radiofrequency ablation or RFA involves inserting a small needle into the thyroid nodules of a patient to heat and destroy the tissues, shrinking the nodules. It is an outpatient procedure that only uses a local anesthetic for numbing the neck. Thus, it is a pain-free treatment, though some people may experience minimal discomfort during their treatment. Thyroid RFA does not have lasting side effects and patients can resume their normal activities after treatment.
Symptoms of Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules are thyroid overgrowths that usually don’t cause symptoms. Only a small part of these nodules is malignant. A lot of patients do not know they have these nodules until a blood test discovers swelling. Typically, symptoms include difficulty swallowing and breathing, a raspy voice, dizziness, and coughing. These symptoms can be due to benign or malignant growth.
The Difference Between Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules
Generally, overgrowth can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign thyroid nodules aren’t fatal but they may come with undesirable symptoms. Meanwhile, malignant nodules can cause life-threatening symptoms and require surgery. Traditionally, people with malignant thyroid nodules need to undergo thyroidectomy, which has risks and complications. Also, those who undergo other types of thyroid surgery may experience hypothyroidism and require thyroid hormone replacement therapy for years. Thus, those who have benign nodules must explore non-surgical options like RFA to preserve their normal thyroid tissue.
Who Can Undergo Thyroid RFA?
Those who have benign thyroid nodules can benefit from thyroid RFA. Nodules form around or within the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormonal changes can lead to the formation and growth of thyroid nodules. The majority of these nodules are benign and discovered during routine physical examinations. The perfect candidates for thyroid RFA include those who have benign nodules that cause symptoms like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and multinodular goiters. Also, people who experience compression against their vocal cords or neck that makes it hard or painful to breathe, talk, or swallow should consider RFA. Candidates also include anybody who has been told to undergo thyroid surgery for thyroid nodules, those who can’t safely undergo thyroid surgery, and those who prefer to undergo a minimally invasive procedure. Doctors will review the health history of the patient and discuss their best treatment options.
