Services

A detailed history is the first step in any assessment to determine the need and if relevant the suitability for various thyroid treatments. It is an opportunity for patients to ask questions and understand all their options, their advantages and limitations.

An ultrasound of the neck is the single most important imaging investigation. It allows an accurate assessment of the gland, grading of nodules and assessing size and suitability for the various treatment options

Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment supported by NICE guidance (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) since 2016. RFA is most commonly performed under local anaesthetic as a day-case procedure. It is the most widely available ablative technique. Insertion of an RFA needle generates heat in the tissue and over time shrinks the nodule. Generally RFA achieves volume shrinkage anywhere between 50% to 90% with a single treatment.

Ethanol (or alcohol) ablation is a much more simple and quicker technique than RFA or microwave ablation. It is reserved for nodules that are entirely or mainly fluid-filled (cystic). The fluid content of the nodule is aspirated with a needle under local anaesthetic and alcohol is injected into the cyst.