Thyroid Nodules: Another Option to Remove Nodules Without Surgery
When it comes to treating thyroid nodules, many people may think of traditional treatment methods such as thyroid surgery. Nowadays, there is also endoscopic surgery, which results in smaller surgical wounds than conventional surgery. However, this article will discuss the ‘non-surgical treatment method for thyroid nodules, which is Thyroid ablation or thyroid nodule ablation’ and its advantages.
What is Thyroid Nodule Ablation? What Kind of Treatment is It?
Thyroid nodule ablation (Thyroid ablation) is a procedure where a needle delivers radiofrequency energy into the location of the thyroid nodule. The energy waves are released through the needle tip into the thyroid nodule to heat the tissue, causing the nodule to gradually shrink to a size that does not affect daily life.
After treatment, within 1 year, the thyroid nodule can shrink by as much as 80-90% . The procedure is highly accurate because ultrasound is used to locate the nodule. The treatment time is short, no hospital stay is required, and side effects are minimal. Therefore, more patients are currently opting for thyroid nodule ablation treatment.
Who is Thyroid Nodule Ablation Suitable For?
- Those with small thyroid nodules, as treatment may be less effective for large nodules
- Those with benign thyroid nodules, not malignant tumors(cancerous nodules)
- Those who cannot undergo general anesthesia, such as allergy to anesthesia, taking medications affecting blood clotting, or having chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease
Advantages – Limitations of Thyroid Nodule Ablation Treatment
Currently, there are various methods to treat thyroid nodules, each with its own advantages and limitations. Therefore, it is important to choose the treatment method that suits the individual. Here, the advantages and limitations of thyroid nodule ablation are as follows:
Advantages
- No surgical scars because a small needle about 2 millimeters in size is used to ablate the thyroid nodule
- No need for general anesthesia
- Short treatment time, averaging 30-60 minutes depending on the size and number of thyroid nodules
- Patients can go home immediately after ablation without hospital stay
- Reduces the risk of complications after treatment, such as hoarseness
- No need to take hormone medication to reduce nodule size or replace thyroid tissue removed (as in surgery)
Limitations
- Not suitable for patients with large thyroid nodules
- Not suitable for patients with difficult blood clotting conditions
- Not suitable for pregnant women
- Not suitable for patients with pacemakers
- The nodule size may not shrink as expected, but repeat ablation is possible
Before thyroid nodule ablation, the doctor will ask about medication history, underlying diseases, and perform a physical examination to determine if the nodule can be treated with ablation. This includes
- Biopsy to check if the nodule is cancerous
- Blood clotting tests
Once it is confirmed that thyroid nodule ablation is possible, prepare your body for treatment as follows:
- Stop taking medications and supplements that affect blood clotting at least 1 week before treatment
- Avoid food and drink at least 8 hours before treatment
How to Care for Yourself After Thyroid Nodule Ablation
After thyroid nodule ablation, the doctor will monitor symptoms for about 1 hour. If no side effects occur during observation, the patient can go home. After returning home, follow these safety guidelines:
- Avoid loud voice use for at least 2 weeks
- Avoid heavy exercise for at least 2 weeks
- Do not touch or palpate the ablation site for at least 2 weeks
- Attend follow-up appointments every 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months
Possible Side Effects After Thyroid Nodule Ablation (Rare)
- Pain or soreness at the treatment site
- Skin burns
- Hoarseness
- Fever
- Infection
- Bleeding at the ablation site
Thyroid ablation (Thyroid Ablation) is a new alternative procedure for treating thyroid nodules without surgery, incisions, or anesthesia. It uses a special needle combined with heat energy waves under ultrasound guidance to precisely destroy the nodule, causing it to gradually shrink to a size that does not interfere with daily life. The treatment time is short, no hospital stay is required, and the risk of side effects is very low.
If you have a thyroid nodule and are looking for a safe, non-surgical option,
we recommend consulting and getting diagnosed by a specialist at Phyathai 2 Hospital, where we have expert doctors and advanced treatment technology to provide comprehensive and safe care at every step.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kiti Kanobthamchai
Specialist in Otolaryngology
Ear, Nose, and Throat Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
