In recent years, the use of non-surgical alternatives for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules has been increasing. These methods include interventional radiological procedures such as radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, and alcohol ablation. Ablation procedures treat thyroid nodules through various methods, such as heating or chemical action.
Most thyroid nodules are benign and typically do not require any intervention, only monitoring. However, benign thyroid nodules can cause cosmetic discomfort due to swelling in the neck or lead to breathing difficulties by pressing on the trachea. In some cases, they can also secrete hormones and cause hyperthyroidism. For such troublesome benign thyroid nodules, non-surgical interventional radiological treatments are now available.
Advantages of Non-Surgical Treatments for Thyroid Nodules
Surgical removal has long been the traditional treatment for benign thyroid nodules. Thyroid nodule surgery is performed under general anesthesia in an operating room with an incision. After the surgery, a hospital stay is required, and the wound healing process can take some time. Additionally, some patients may develop hypothyroidism, a condition where they need to take thyroid hormone medication for life.
In contrast, non-surgical thyroid nodule treatments are performed under ultrasound guidance by an interventional radiology specialist using only a fine needle. The entire procedure is observed via ultrasound, with a low complication rate. These treatments do not require general anesthesia; only local anesthesia is needed. During the procedure, the patient generally feels no pain, although light sedation can be used if the patient prefers. The patient is typically discharged the same day, and no incision is made on the neck, just a small needle mark that will gradually shrink.
Since only the nodule is treated, the healthy parts of the thyroid gland remain unaffected, preserving its function. As a result, the thyroid gland continues to work normally, and the patient does not need thyroid hormone medication for life.
How are Non-Surgical Treatments for Thyroid Nodules Performed?
The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting with minimal preparation. The patient is typically asked not to eat or drink for 6-8 hours before the procedure. It is important to inform the doctor of any medications being taken, as adjustments or cessation (especially blood thinners) may be necessary before the procedure.
The patient is positioned appropriately, and the neck skin is sterilized. Then, a fine needle is inserted to perform the treatment. The procedure usually causes minimal pain, and local anesthesia is applied beforehand to reduce discomfort. The entire process takes about 30-45 minutes. Afterward, the patient is monitored in the clinic for a short period. If their condition is stable, they will be discharged the same day.