Thyroid Nodule Ablation

Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thyroid Nodules

An alternative to surgery for benign thyroid nodules

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck that produces hormones that regulate your metabolism, heart rate and body temperature. A thyroid nodule is a benign (non-cancerous) lump that forms within the thyroid gland.

Thyroid nodules are common, affecting up to half of all U.S. adults. They can develop for different reasons, including inflammation or the overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue. Many people with thyroid nodules do not experience any symptoms, but for some, they can cause difficulty swallowing, trouble breathing and/or a visible lump in the neck.

Additionally, the growth of thyroid nodules can result in the production of excess hormone, causing hyperthyroidism—which can result in an entirely new set of symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat and heat intolerance.

Surgery is no longer necessary to treat most thyroid nodules. Exceptions are when cancer is suspected, the nodule is compressing the airway or esophagus, or other significant symptoms are experienced. For most, a much less invasive treatment known as thyroid nodule ablation is appropriate.

Our minimally invasive treatment for thyroid nodules in Denver:

Thyroid nodule ablation

This minimally invasive, image-guided procedure uses radiofrequency energy to heat and precisely destroy the nodule, without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue or affecting normal thyroid function.

During the procedure, ultrasound imaging is used to precisely locate the thyroid nodule. One of our interventional radiologists then guides a thin probe into the nodule. The probe delivers radiofrequency energy (heat) to destroy the targeted nodule tissue while preserving the surrounding healthy thyroid. Over time, the treated tissue shrinks and is absorbed by the body.

Thyroid nodule ablation is performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require surgery or large incisions, which avoids the scarring on the neck that is common with surgery. It has been shown to effectively reduce the size of benign thyroid nodules and relieve symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, neck pressure or breathing discomfort. Thyroid nodule ablation is considered a safe, with a low risk of complications and a relatively quick recovery.

For more information about thyroid nodule ablation or to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, please visit our contact page or call (720) 516-0637.