Thyroid Nodules are Common

If you look with an ultrasound, you can find a nodule in about a third of people’s thyroids. These are often small and benign (not cancer). If a nodule looks suspicious, a small sample is taken from the nodule through a pinhole to see whether or not it’s cancer.

What is Thyroid Nodule Ablation

Some people have large nodules that cause trouble swallowing or a bothersome neck bulge. A skinny wand can be inserted into the nodule through a pinhole to burn it and make it shrink. This is called ablation. It is a good option for bothersome benign (not cancer) thyroid nodules. It can also be done to kill thyroid cancer for people who cannot tolerate surgery, but it tends to be better to have surgery to cut out the cancer if you’re able.

What are the risks and recovery?

The procedure is very safe and you go home the same day without any specific recovery from the procedure itself. The main risks are bleeding or damaging nerves that course near the thyroid. This is rare (1-2% of cases).