The thyroid gland, situated at the base of the neck, has the capacity to produce lumps of tissue known as thyroid nodules. Roughly 30% of adults have thyroid nodules, which is relatively common. They are often benign, which means they are not harmful and cause few symptoms. Thyroid nodules can occasionally develop into malignant (cancerous) growths.
Small, benign thyroid nodules often show no symptoms. However, if they do enlarge and/or start to show symptoms, an individual may experience some of the following:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Goitre (enlargement of the thyroid gland)
- Pain around the base of the neck
- Hoarseness/change in voice
Thyroid nodules are seen most commonly in women of older age. However, there are more specific risk factors, including:
- Family history of thyroid nodules
- X-Ray previously performed on thyroid
- A previous thyroid cancer diagnosis
- Iodine Deficiency
- Thyroiditis (chronic inflammations of the thyroid)
- Hashimoto’s Disease
An ultrasound scan followed by Fine Needle Aspiration Sampling (FNAC) is done to determine the nature of the nodule (whether it is benign or malignant). While surgical resection is the standard treatment for malignant nodules, benign nodules are usually monitored and if they grow in size, show abnormal features on an ultrasound scan or cause symptoms, the patient may consider treatment.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is recently introduced for treating benign thyroid nodules. It is a minimally invasive technique which involves using radiofrequency heatwaves via a special small needle under ultrasound guidance.
Heat energy is applied to the nodule, causing the destruction of cells from within. The nodules gradually shrink in size or become stable and are smaller in size on follow-up.
RFA preserves the thyroid tissue adjacent to the nodule. This procedure is usually performed as a day surgery procedure under light sedation. Patients are generally discharged the same day after monitoring, and there is no surgical scar.
