At the Advanced Institute for Diabetes & Endocrinology in Mansfield, TX, we specialize in offering cutting-edge treatments for thyroid conditions, including Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). For patients in Dallas, Fort Worth, and across the DFW Metroplex, RFA provides a safe and effective alternative to traditional thyroid surgery, helping preserve thyroid function while reducing the size of thyroid nodules.
RFA is a minimally invasive technique designed to shrink thyroid nodules without the need for surgery. Unlike traditional thyroidectomy, RFA involves no incisions, preserves normal thyroid function, and can be performed under local anesthesia.
“There’s no incision—nobody’s cutting anything. It’s basically a needle stick instead of a cut. Radiofrequency ablation can shrink a nodule by up to 80% over a course of 3 to 6 months, and because you can do that, you get to preserve the rest of the thyroid function,” says Dr. VanDyke.
This procedure allows patients to avoid the more invasive surgery and preserve the vital functions of the thyroid, which acts as your body’s thermostat, regulating everything from energy levels to metabolism.
How common are thyroid nodules?
Thyroid nodules are extremely common. Dr. VanDyke shares:
“What I like to say in a new patient visit is that if I was out wandering around and giving ultrasounds to people on the street, let’s say I did a thousand ultrasounds, I’m probably going to find 600 nodules. 90-95% of the time these things are benign.”
Nodules can range from harmless to causing significant discomfort and symptoms like difficulty swallowing, voice changes, and even visible swelling.
Who is a good candidate for RFA?
RFA is an excellent option for individuals who have benign thyroid nodules that are either causing symptoms or are cosmetically unappealing. According to Dr. VanDyke:
“We want you to have a benign thyroid nodule, proven by at least one biopsy. You can have this done if you have one of those overactive thyroid nodules that make extra hormones and ignore the cues to stop doing that.”
Patients with overactive nodules that produce too much thyroid hormone or large nodules causing symptoms like difficulty swallowing or voice changes may also benefit from RFA. Additionally, RFA is a good option for individuals who are concerned about the cosmetic appearance of their thyroid nodules.
“If a nodule gets big enough, it can squish other structures around it—like the laryngeal nerve, the esophagus, or even the trachea—and that causes symptoms of compression: difficulty swallowing, changes to the voice, or even wheezing because the air can’t get through the airway,” Dr. VanDyke explains.
Who should avoid RFA?
Although RFA is suitable for many patients, there are some who should avoid it. Dr. VanDyke highlights:
“The current recommendations are to not treat thyroid cancers or lymphomas with RFA, though data is being gathered about its use in thyroid cancer.”
Other conditions that may exclude a patient from RFA include:
- Nodules causing significant airway compression due to the potential for post-procedure swelling.
- Indeterminate nodules that require further genetic testing to assess their risk.
- Patients with pacemakers, which may interfere with the procedure’s energy application.
- Pregnant women and individuals who cannot remain still during the procedure due to anxiety or physical limitations.
How does RFA Work?
The procedure itself is relatively simple and quick. It is performed under local anesthesia and is similar to a thyroid biopsy in terms of patient comfort. Dr. VanDyke explains the process:
“It’s not so different than a thyroid biopsy. Instead of taking pieces of tissue out with the biopsy, that needle is applying energy to the thyroid nodule. The energy causes heat, and then the cells in the nodule will slowly die off and be reabsorbed by the body, causing the nodule to shrink.”
The procedure is safe, and patients can typically return to normal activities the same day.
How effective is RFA?
Dr. VanDyke emphasizes the long-term effectiveness of RFA:
“In one month, we can expect a reduction in volume by about half. At three months, we’re expecting about 80% reduction in volume, and it will continue to shrink over six months.”
The procedure has been shown to provide lasting results, and the nodule’s reduction is typically stable over time.
Why consider RFA?
RFA is a great alternative to surgery for patients with benign nodules who want to avoid the risks and complications of a thyroidectomy. As Dr. VanDyke puts it:
“Non-surgical treatment for thyroid nodules is a big deal. It represents a sea change in how we handle thyroid nodules. America is kind of late to the party on this, but RFA has been approved for a few years now, and the point is that this procedure can shrink nodules down while preserving normal thyroid function.”
RFA is now offered at major medical centers across the U.S., and while insurance coverage is improving, it can still vary. However, RFA remains a less expensive and less invasive option compared to surgery when considering total out of pocket costs.
What’s next?
If you have a benign thyroid nodule and are interested in exploring non-surgical options, RFA might be right for you. As Dr. VanDyke explains, it’s a safe, effective way to shrink thyroid nodules while maintaining thyroid function and avoiding surgery.
“Our motto, like Jenifer’s (from Save the Thyroid), is to save the thyroid whenever possible. If you think this is interesting or useful, we invite you to work with us to solve the problem of thyroid nodules—common, but no longer requiring surgery for even the big nodules.”🎥 Watch Dr. VanDyke’s story in the video to hear firsthand how RFA is transforming thyroid care right here in Mansfield, TX, and the greater DFW Metroplex. Whether you’re in Arlington, Fort Worth, or nearby, we’re conveniently located and ready to help you preserve your thyroid health.
