Patients who have cardiac pacemakers or other implanted electronic devices or patients who are currently pregnant cannot undergo RFA treatments. Some thyroid nodules are also not good candidates for RFA due to the location of the nodule, if the nodule is concerning for cancer or if the nodule is mostly cystic (filled with fluid). These nodules may be better treated with surgery or another ablation treatment such as alcohol ablation.

Currently only thyroid nodules which have been biopsied with a needle and are benign (non-cancerous) are candidates for RFA treatment. Nodules also need to be causing symptoms due to the size and location of the nodule. Symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, a sensation of pressure or discomfort, visible swelling from the thyroid nodule and others. During your initial appointment your physician will evaluate the thyroid nodule with an ultrasound to determine if RFA ablation or some other treatment such as surgery is the best option for you.

To schedule an appointment to discuss thyroid RFA, please call us at 734-936-5738, or fax 734-936-6927. 

After your initial appointment with your physician, you will be scheduled for the procedure at future date. The RFA treatment is performed by your physician using ultrasound-guidance to place the RFA probe into the nodule several times to treat the entire thyroid nodule.  The procedure typically takes around 1 hour to perform. During the procedure you will be given local anesthetic to numb the area as well as medications through an IV to help provide a light level of sedation. Most patients have minimal discomfort during the ablation procedure.  You will be monitored closely during the procedure and after the ablation is completed in the recovery room.

The risks of complications from radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules are very, very low and are similar to that of thyroid surgery. Risks include bleeding, infection, voice changes or hoarseness of the voice as well as other complications related to the procedure.