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Thyroid ablation therapy is a reliable method used in the treatment of thyroid nodules. As a non-surgical treatment method, thyroid ablation therapy has become widely used in recent times due to its many advantages. This method is a candidate to replace surgery in the treatment of aesthetic or health problems caused by nodules and in cases of thyroid cancer. Of course, this method should be preferred only for suitable cases.
What is Thyroid Ablation Treatment?
Thyroid ablation therapy is the process of burning harmful tissues in the thyroid gland through special needles inserted through the skin. With non-surgical thyroid nodule treatment, thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, and parathyroid adenomas are treated without the need for surgery.
Thyroid ablation treatment, which requires special expertise, is performed by interventional radiologists. In Antalya Muratpaşa, Interventional Radiology Specialist Associate Professor Dr. Bülent Çekiç performs thyroid ablation therapy at his clinic and also serves patients from many cities including Istanbul and Ankara.
What is Ablation?
Ablation is the process of burning unwanted or harmful foci in any part of the body to render them inactive. The use of ablation spans a wide range of conditions, from goiter, thyroid nodules, heart rhythm disorders, liver cancers, to nosebleeds.
How is Thyroid Ablation Treatment Performed?
Thyroid ablation therapy is performed after local anesthesia numbs the area to be treated. Using ultrasound images for guidance, very fine needles are inserted through the skin. Once the target tissue is reached, the tissue is burned and rendered inactive by the energy applied, depending on the technique used. With this process, the nodule is either reduced in size or completely eliminated.
What Should Be Done After Thyroid Ablation Therapy?
After thyroid ablation therapy, the skin area where the ablation needle was inserted should be kept dry and clean. This area must be protected from infection.
What Are the Types of Thyroid Ablation Therapy?
The types of thyroid ablation therapy include Microwave Ablation, Radiofrequency Ablation, and Cryoablation. The most commonly used ones are microwave ablation and radiofrequency ablation. The choice of technique depends on the size and location of the nodule and is determined by the interventional radiologist.
Who is Suitable for Thyroid Ablation Therapy?
After clinical evaluations, the position, size, age of the patient, and overall health are assessed. Following this evaluation, thyroid ablation therapy is performed on suitable patients. Thyroid ablation therapy is applied to individuals with overactive thyroid glands, large nodules that press on surrounding tissues, and those with thyroid cancer. Patients whose thyroid nodules or cancerous structures are close to the trachea, esophagus, or nerves are analyzed for risk. If the risk analysis shows that thyroid ablation carries minimal risk, the treatment can be preferred.
This treatment can be safely applied by experienced interventional radiologists in selected cases.
What Are the Advantages of Thyroid Ablation Therapy?
The advantages of thyroid ablation therapy are:
- The biggest advantage of this treatment is that it is not a surgical procedure.
- It is performed under local anesthesia.
- The procedure takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Since it is non-surgical, there are no incisions or stitches left on the patient.
- Since the thyroid glands are not removed, there is no need for lifelong hormone replacement therapy.
Does Thyroid Ablation Therapy Cause Pain?
No, thyroid ablation therapy does not cause pain. The ablation procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so the patient does not feel any pain.
Is Hospitalization Required After Thyroid Ablation Therapy?
No, hospitalization is not required after thyroid ablation therapy. The procedure is very short, and the patient can be discharged a few hours after the treatment.
Is Thyroid Ablation Therapy Risky?
Thyroid ablation therapy is only performed after a thorough risk assessment by the specialist doctor. If the interventional radiologist has conducted the necessary tests and determined that this treatment is suitable for you, it means the risk analysis has been successfully completed.
What Is the Success Rate of Thyroid Ablation Therapy?
The success rate of thyroid ablation therapy ranges from 80% to 90%, depending on the technique used and the case. After about 6 months, a reduction of 80-90% in thyroid nodules is observed.
What Is the Frequency of Check-ups After Thyroid Ablation Therapy?
After thyroid ablation therapy, the thyroid glands are checked through ultrasound at the 3rd, 6th, and 12th months. After that, annual check-ups via thyroid ultrasound may be done as a precaution.
Thyroid Ablation Therapy Prices
Thyroid ablation therapy prices can be obtained by consulting with the Interventional Radiology Clinic of Associate Professor Dr. Bülent Çekiç in Antalya Muratpaşa for a preliminary examination. After examining the thyroid nodule and, if necessary, performing a thyroid biopsy, you can get the price. For detailed information, please contact our clinic, which also serves patients from cities like Ankara and Istanbul through contact.
