Тreatment for benign nodules

How does interventional radiology treat benign nodules

There is a minimally invasive procedure called ablation, which is used to treat benign nodules of the thyroid.

Who can be treated with the ablation technique

Those who experience symptoms because of the nodule or develop hyperthyroidism can treat their nodule with either radiofrequency or microwave ablation. Ablation is performed for

• biopsy proven benign solid nodules (predominantly solid)
• hot nodules causing hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid
• mixed-type nodule: benign cystic-solid nodule (in which case a combined treatment is performed — ethanol ablation and thermal ablation)
• adenomatous nodules of the parathyroid gland
• papillary microcarcinoma. 

Treatment is needed in cases the nodule causes symptoms like

• difficulty swallowing
• feeling of a lump in the throat, pain
• swollen neck

What will Ablation bring to the patient

Interventional radiology (IR) methods have several advantages over traditional surgical treatment. Specifically, ablation (Radiofrequency Аblation, and Мicrowave Аblation) allows for the elimination of nodules without invasive surgery, thereby freeing the patient from the discomfort and symptoms caused by the nodule. Besides preserving the function of the organ, there is no longer a need for medications after ablation.

This cutting-edge method has several advantages:

• It is performed on an outpatient basis (ambulatory care) with real-time monitoring.
• It does not require general anesthesia.
• It does not require a postoperative recovery period.
• No scars are formed after the procedure.
• It preserves the healthy tissue of the thyroid and does not affect its function
• In case of parathyroid adenomas, ablation improves the thyroid's function.