What is thyroid RFA, and how can it help me?

thyroid

Thyroid RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation) is gaining popularity as a minimally invasive treatment for thyroid nodules. To understand why thyroid RFA is the best treatment, we first need to understand what the function of the thyroid gland is, and why it is prone to problems. 

What does the thyroid do?

The thyroid is a small gland located at the front of the base of your neck. It is a vital gland that regulates metabolism by secreting different hormones. The level of hormone produced by the thyroid is dependent on the level of energy required by the body to perform its tasks.

The thyroid can produce too much or too little of the thyroid hormones, but it can also become enlarged. An enlarged thyroid will not function correctly and results in a hormone imbalance. Furthermore, problems can be caused by the growth of abnormal nodules on the thyroid. These are usually benign, but it is best to remove them and to reduce the size of an enlarged thyroid.

Under-active and Overactive Thyroid

There are many health problems associated with an under-active or overactive thyroid. An under-active thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormones, whereas an overactive thyroid produces too much. The reasons for the thyroid behaving in this manner can be varied, and it is common for the thyroid to exhibit either of these traits.

An under-active thyroid typically manifests symptoms such as excessive tiredness, depression, and weight gain. The condition can be treated with regular oral medication quite successfully. An overactive thyroid will exhibit symptoms such as anxiety, sleep problems, heat sensitivity, tiredness, and a feeling of weakness. Treatment may be via oral medication, radiotherapy, or surgery to remove part of the thyroid.

If you suspect you suffer from either of these, you should consult a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis.

What is thyroid RFA?

What is thyroid RFA, and why is it making headlines? Traditional treatment for thyroid nodules involved invasive surgery and could be quite tricky given the area of the body the surgeon is required to work within. Thyroid RFA is a relatively new procedure that is non-invasive and therefore much preferred by most patients. 

RFA stands for Radio-frequency Ablation. The procedure uses radio-frequency waves delivered by a special tool that effectively reduces the size of the nodules on the thyroid. RFA has proven successful in various clinical trials, and it is now regarded as a viable alternative to invasive surgery. As there is no actual surgery involved, thyroid RFA has no known side effects, leaves no scars, and quickly treats the nodules. 

However, not all thyroid nodules can be successfully treated by RFA, so the patient will need a consultation with a doctor. 

Conclusion

Thyroid problems can be treated either by medication or a choice of proven methods that rectify the hormonal imbalance caused by a defective thyroid. However, thyroid RFA is an exciting development in the available treatments for nodules on the thyroid as it is non-invasive and largely successful.