Ablation of Thyroid Nodules
Ablation shrinks a thyroid nodule using heat from a needle, no surgery required. It's a good fit for benign nodules causing pressure or visible swelling. Whether it's right for you depends on what's on the scan.
Ablation shrinks a thyroid nodule using heat from a needle, no surgery required. It's a good fit for benign nodules causing pressure or visible swelling. Whether it's right for you depends on what's on the scan.
What is ablation of thyroid nodules?
Ablation shrinks a thyroid nodule using heat delivered through a thin needle, without surgery. It's a good fit for benign nodules that are causing pressure, swelling, or visible disfigurement, where the patient would prefer to avoid an operation.
The two common ablation methods are radiofrequency (RFA) and microwave (MWA). Both work by heating the nodule from the inside; the choice depends on the size and characteristics of the lesion.
Who this is for
- A benign thyroid nodule (already biopsied) that's causing pressure or visible swelling
- A preference to avoid an open operation
- Multiple small benign nodules where repeat surgery isn't ideal
- Some carefully selected recurrent thyroid cancers
How it's done
Before the procedure
We confirm the nodule is benign on biopsy and assess its size and position on ultrasound.
The procedure
Done under local anaesthesia with light sedation, with the nodule visible on ultrasound throughout. A thin needle is placed precisely into the nodule and heat is delivered for several minutes. Total time is usually 30 to 60 minutes.
Recovery & aftercare
Going home
Day-care procedure. Most patients are discharged within a few hours of finishing.
Long-term
The nodule shrinks gradually over several months. Follow-up scans confirm shrinkage and check for any unusual change.
Questions worth asking
Ablation shrinks the nodule from inside, no incision; surgery removes it. Ablation is better for selected benign nodules; surgery is needed for cancers and unsuitable nodules.
Related care
All specialitiesMicrowave Ablation
A scarless alternative to surgery for some breast lumps and thyroid nodules. We use ultrasound to guide a single thin needle that heats and shrinks the lesion from the inside. No cut, no stitches, home the same day.
Learn moreThyroid Nodules
Most thyroid nodules are harmless. The job is to figure out which ones aren't, and that takes ultrasound first, fine-needle aspiration if the scan suggests it. The plan after that depends entirely on what we find.
Learn moreMinimal Invasive Surgery
Smaller incisions for breast and thyroid surgery, where the disease allows it. Less pain, less time in hospital, less scar to live with. Not every case is suitable, and we tell you up front when it isn't.
Learn moreThe first consultation
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Hours
CK Birla Hospital
Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 3 PM
Clinic
Mon – Sat: 5 PM – 7 PM
Sunday: 8 AM – 10 AM
Visit
Medical D/C Center, Kalwar Rd,
Jhotwara, Jaipur 302012