The Penn State Health Approach to Thyroid Ablation and Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules are common growths that develop in the thyroid gland. While most are noncancerous, they can cause symptoms such as:
- Pain and swelling in the neck and throat
- Pressure in the neck when lying back
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Voice changes
- Persistent hoarseness
- Visible lump in the neck
- A thyroid nodule that produces thyroid hormone independently of normal regulatory signals
In many cases, targeted thyroid ablation can relieve symptoms and shrink thyroid nodules while protecting healthy thyroid tissue.
In the past, patients had two options: watch the nodule over time or have surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. Today, Penn State Health offers a third option – minimally invasive thyroid ablation. This treatment can help many people avoid surgery.
Minimally Invasive Thyroid Ablation Treatments
Thyroid ablation offers a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery. Instead of removing part or all of the thyroid gland, ablation precisely targets only the thyroid nodule.
Benefits may include:
- Little to no scarring
- Faster recovery
- Lower chance of needing lifelong thyroid hormone medicine
- Preservation of normal thyroid function
Thyroid ablation uses thermal or nonthermal energy to shrink nodules and relieve symptoms. Recovery is typically brief, with most patients resuming normal activities within 24 hours.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to shrink benign (noncancerous) thyroid nodules, small tumors and select thyroid cancers. RFA is performed in the office or an outpatient setting using local anesthesia, so you are awake and comfortable during treatment.
RFA may be an option if:
- Your thyroid nodule has been tested with a biopsy and found to be benign
- The nodule causes symptoms
- The nodule affects your appearance
In some cases, RFA can be considered for small, low-risk thyroid cancers.
During the procedure, your doctor uses ultrasound to guide a thin needle and microelectrode probe into the nodule. The probe delivers radiofrequency energy that generates heat to precisely destroy the targeted tissue, causing the nodule cells to die and shrink over time.
Most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours after thyroid ablation.
Dr. David Goldenberg, chair of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, and head and neck surgical oncologist at Penn State Health, a leading expert in thyroid radiofrequency ablation in Pennsylvania.
Nanosecond Pulsed Field Ablation
Unlike RFA, which uses heat, nanosecond pulsed field ablation (nsPFA) delivers short bursts of electrical energy – measured in billionths of a second – to disrupt the cell membranes of thyroid nodule tissue. This energy damages the cells inside the thyroid nodule while helping protect nearby healthy structures, such as nerves and blood vessels.
The procedure is performed under deep sedation or general anesthesia in the operating room. Most patients return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours following nsPFA thyroid ablation.
Who is a candidate?
You may be a candidate for thyroid ablation if you have:
- A benign (noncancerous) thyroid nodule confirmed by biopsy
- Neck pressure, trouble swallowing, voice changes or a visible lump
- A thyroid nodule that continues to grow
- A “hot” or toxic nodule causing hyperthyroidism
- A desire to avoid surgery, general anesthesia or lifelong thyroid medication
- Medical conditions that make traditional surgery higher risk
Our thyroid experts at Penn State Health will evaluate your imaging, labs and biopsy results to determine whether thyroid ablation is right for you.
Our Experts in Care
If you’re living with a thyroid nodule and want to explore minimally invasive thyroid ablation instead of surgery, schedule a consultation today.
- Call: 717-531-6822
- Fax medical records: 717-531-0332
Why Choose Penn State Health for Advanced Thyroid Ablation
One of Few NanoPulse centers in U.S.
Penn State Health is one of only a handful of health systems in the U.S. offering both radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and NanoPulse thyroid ablation for thyroid nodules.
Comprehensive safety evaluation and personalized care
Our multidisciplinary thyroid team carefully reviews your medical history, imaging and biopsy results to confirm your candidacy and make sure thyroid ablation is safe and best fits your needs and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ablation safe?
Yes. RFA and NanoPulse thyroid ablation have excellent safety records, and complications are uncommon. Because the thyroid gland is preserved, patients are less likely to need lifelong thyroid hormone medication compared to surgery.
How many treatments will I need?
Many patients achieve excellent results with a single thyroid ablation session. A second treatment may be recommended for larger nodules.
Is this covered by insurance?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign thyroid nodules is often covered by insurance, but coverage varies by insurer and state. Check with your insurance provider for details.
Can ablation treat thyroid cancer?
In some cases, thyroid ablation may be used for small, low-risk cancers or when surgery is not the best option. Your care team will determine whether you are a candidate.
What can I expect?
Consultation visit
During your first visit, we will:
- Review your imaging and biopsy results
- Discuss your symptoms
- Answer your questions
- Recommend the best treatment option
Procedure Day
The procedure is performed either in the office or the operating room, depending on the method. In the office, you remain awake with local anesthesia. In the operating room, deep sedation is typically used. Real-time ultrasound guidance enables your doctor to treat the nodule safely and accurately. Most procedures take 45–60 minutes.
Recovery
You can go home the same day. Most patients return to normal activities the next day. Mild soreness or swelling is common and usually goes away quickly.
Follow-Up Care
Your care team will monitor your progress with follow-up ultrasounds. Most nodules begin to shrink within one to two months and continue to get smaller over time.