Thyroid Nodule Ablation
Thyroid nodule, which is a common condition in society and is more common in women than in men, occurs as a result of abnormal proliferation of the cells that make up the thyroid gland.
The rate of benign (non-cancerous) nodules in the thyroid gland is 85-95%. The risk of malignancy is 5-15%
In addition to cosmetic problems, benign masses can cause more serious problems such as pressure on the vein or the risk of turning into malignant nodules.
Thyroid Nodule Ablation - Non-Surgical Thyroid Nodule Treatment
The traditional treatment of thyroid nodule is surgery. Ablation, on the other hand, offers non-surgical treatment for thyroid nodules. The advantages are:
- There is no incision or scar as there is no surgical procedure
- Does not require general anesthesia
- Hospital stay is shorter
- Less side effects and complications
- Protection of thyroid functions
Radiofrequency and laser ablation (1.) is the primary treatment for benign thyroid nodules. Microwave ablation is a second-line treatment method.
Ablation therapy can be applied to suitable nodules:
- Benign nodules
- Presence of pressure or cosmetic findings
- Surgery is not desired or is not suitable
- If the surgical risk for recurrent thyroid cancer is high
Inappropriate situations include:
- Very large nodules
- When there is a finding or suspicion that the nodule is malignant in biopsy or ultrasonography, if a clearly hypoechoic and irregularly bordered nodule is identified< /span>
- If there are signs of hyperthyroidism
Solid Nodules
The volume reduction rate (VRR) with laser ablation over a 36-month period is 51-58%. In radiofrequency ablation, the nodule rate is higher, 78-82% in 10-12 ml nodules, and 62-65% in 20-30 ml nodules.
Cystic nodules have higher volume reduction rates (VRR) after ablation than solid nodules. Radiofrequency ablation sessions are more common in solid dominant groups.
Cystic Nodules
In pure cystic or dominant cystic nodules, the first-line treatment is chemical ablation, which is applied by injecting ethyl alcohol into the cyst. If there is no response or there is growth in the solid component, thermal ablation, radiofrequency or laser ablation can be applied.
Thyroid Ablation Procedure
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. With needle guidance techniques, the nodule is targeted and thermal damage is created inside the nodule using energy sources such as radiofrequency or laser. Returning to daily life is very quick after the procedure.
Thyroid Ablation Risks
Although there are very rare risks such as bleeding, hoarseness, and low hormone levels, these risks are more common in surgical operations.