Which Thyroid Nodule Can Be Treated Without Surgery?

One out of every six people in Turkey has a goiter. One in six people with goiter has a nodule. In other words, thyroid nodules are a common problem in our country. General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Erhan Ayşan stated that most of the thyroid nodules can be treated without surgery with the radiofrequency method.
Emphasizing that in small nodules that are not found to be cancer by biopsy, patients should go to physician control every 6 months, Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Endocrine Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Erhan Ayşan: "In large nodules, the radiofrequency technique is also very successful in shrinking the nodule and preventing it from growing again."
The use of radiofrench therapy, which has been used for many years in many diseases, especially liver tumors, in thyroid nodules is a relatively new approach. Prof. Dr. Erhan Ayşan added the following: "There is a need for a needle that makes a thin, delicate, and controlled oscillation in an organ that is small in size, such as the thyroid, and also has a large number of vessels and nerves around it."

Extinguishing the Nodule Using Heat Energy

Underlining that radiofrequency (RF) therapy has nothing to do with harmful radiation rays, Prof. Dr. Erhan Ayşan stated: "No beam is used in this treatment. The only type of energy used in radiofrequency (RF) therapy is heat energy. Thyroid nodule, swellings within the thyroid gland, lumps. If we consider the thyroid gland as a pillow, let us also consider the nodule as a small balloon compressed into this pillow. In this case, Radiofrequency (RF) is the process of deflating this bubble."

No Hospitalization Required

This procedure, which is performed under local or general anesthesia, is completed in about 20-30 minutes depending on the size of the nodule. Prof. Dr. Ayşan explained how radiofrequency (RF) treatment is applied. A needle that emits heat from the tip is inserted into the nodule and the system is activated. Heat is injected into the nodule from the active part at the tip of the needle. This heat kills the cells it touches by burning them. When adequate combustion is achieved, the needle is pulled through the nodule and the procedure is terminated."

After the procedure, which does not require hospitalization, it is sufficient to stay under the supervision of a physician for a few hours. The patient is discharged on the same day. Regarding the points to be considered after the treatment, Prof. Ayşan gave the following information: "The patient may feel some swelling and pain in the anterior region of the neck during the first few days. However, this is a non-severe condition that can be prevented with painkillers. Over time, the body cleans the dying cells, and the diameter of the nodule gradually decreases. Ideal results are obtained within 3-6 months. The first check is performed one week after the procedure. Then, the final result is obtained with the 3rd-month and 6th-month controls. During this period, patients can easily do their daily work. No dietary restrictions are required.”

It Also Effective in Toxic Goiter

Prof. Dr. Erhan Ayşan: "The nodule can be burned by applying Radiofrequency (RF) in the patient group with toxic goiter attached to the nodule. Thus, cells that cause toxic goiter and produce excess hormones are destroyed. Excess hormone secretion of the thyroid gland is eliminated. The patient would have recovered from the disease without surgery or taking radioactive iodine.” However, radiofrequency (RF) therapy is not used in thyroid cancer except in very special cases. Yeditepe University Hospital Endocrine Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Erhan Ayşan underlined that for nodules that have been proven to be cancerous by biopsy or are highly suspected of cancer, the scientific approach accepted today is surgical treatment.

For detailed information: www.erhanaysan.com/tiroid-hastaliklari