Radiofrequency Therapy in Thyroid Nodules

The term radiofrequency can sometimes feel daunting to patients. This may be due to radiation. However, radiofrequency therapy has nothing to do with radiation rays.

No beams are used in radiofrequency therapy. The only energy used is heat energy. Radiofrequency therapy, which has been used safely for many years for many diseases, especially liver masses, is now also being used in thyroid nodules.

How Does Radiofrequency Therapy Affect Thyroid Nodules?

The thyroid nodule is the swelling and lump within the thyroid gland. If we accept the thyroid gland as a pillow, the nodule can also be considered as a balloon stuck in this pillow by swelling. Radiofrequency treatment is the process of extinguishing the air by entering into this balloon. Radiofrequency therapy is not a surgical procedure. The nodule is not removed, it is minimized with thermal energy.

How to Treat Radiofrequency?

Radiofrequency treatment is carried out under regional or general anesthetic. The treatment process takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the nodule. In this treatment, the ultrasonography device is used as a guide. The physician first displays the nodule by ultrasonography, then moves under the guidance of this image. The physician monitors the destroyed tissues through their monitor by means of a needle and controlled heat release. When they are sure that adequate treatment has been applied, they stop the energy flow, remove the needle from the inside of the nodule and terminate the procedure.

Will Nodules Shrinking with Radiofrequency Therapy Grow Back?

This is very rare. Because the heat energy used during radiofrequency therapy destroys the cells in the nodule, it is difficult for the nodule to regrow. This condition may occur as a result of poorly done, inadequate radiofrequency therapy.

What are the Advantages of Radiofrequency Therapy?

There is no need to stay in the hospital after thyroid radiofrequency treatment. Since the treatment is performed with a thin needle, it does not leave scars on the skin and is painless. The patient can go home after being under the supervision of a physician for a few hours after the procedure.

What is the Process After Radiofrequency Therapy?

The patient may feel some swelling and pain in the anterior region of the neck for the first few days. However, this is a non-severe pain that can be prevented with oral painkillers. Over time, the nodule diameter decreases. Ideal results are obtained within 3-6 months. The first check is performed one week after the procedure. Treatment is then completed with 3rd and 6th-month controls.

Is Radiofrequency Therapy Also Used in Toxic Goiter? 

There are several different types of toxic goiter. If it is a toxic goiter due to a nodule, radiofrequency therapy is highly effective in this patient group. Thanks to radiofrequency therapy, hormone-producing cells that cause toxic goiter are destroyed, and excess hormone secretion of the thyroid gland is eliminated. The patient gets rid of the disease without the need for surgical intervention or taking radioactive iodine.

Is Radiofrequency Therapy Used in Thyroid Cancer?

Except in very specific situations, radiofrequency therapy is not used in thyroid cancer. For nodules that have been proven to be cancerous by biopsy or with high suspicion of cancer, the scientific approach accepted today is surgical treatment.