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Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a nonsurgical treatment option for thyroid nodules.

RFA applies internal energy to the thyroid nodules to effectively destroy problematic tissue without injuring the healthy outer thyroid gland.

The benefits are the elimination of the symptoms from the large nodule and preservation of thyroid function.

Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of thyroid nodules is a procedure performed by Dr. Richard Harding.

RFA uses high frequency alternating current to create heat that is applied to very small areas to destroy thyroid tissue. The term radiofrequency (RF) refers to an alternating electric current oscillating between 200 kHz and 1200 kHz.

Application of Radiofrequency agitates tissue ions as they attempt to follow the changes in the direction of the alternating current, thus creating frictional heat around the electrode.

Although heat creates immediate damage to the tissue, this is significant only in regions within a few millimeters of the electrode.

The net effect of this treatment is reduction in the size of thyroid nodules. This minimally invasive technique is performed through pinhole size incisions.

It is a less invasive alternative to surgery and does not involve radioactive elements to destroy the thyroid tissue.

RFA is a safe way to treat patients with symptomatic thyroid nodules.

Patients who have large nodules (over 2 cm) which have been identified by CT scan or ultrasound and who have discomfort or symptoms of compression.

One or two ultrasound guided FNA biopsies of the individual nodules are necessary to prove that this tissue is benign.

Patients who have thyroid nodule symptoms will receive a comprehensive evaluation including neck ultrasound, ultrasound guided biopsies, and thyroid nodule radiofrequency ablation in one location.

In order to be a candidate for the radiofrequency ablation, a patient needs two sequential biopsies to prove that they do not have a thyroid cancer.

Those who are not candidates for this procedure will have the opportunity to discuss other surgical options available to them.

Pregnancy, active coronary disease, prior neck irradiation, prior thyroid or lymph node malignancy, and anti-coagulation therapy. Thyroid nodules extending deep to the clavicle are only partially treated with this approach.

Thyroid Nodules that are treated with RFA;

• Symptomatic thyroid nodules proven to be benign with several biopsies which are over 2 cm and not below the clavicle.

• All nodules studied with ultrasound should have a benign appearance.

• All prominent nodules present should be individually biopsied regardless of side of the thyroid.

• Nodules should not be larger than 100 ml for a single treatment.