Expert treatment available for benign thyroid nodules
Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can be a treatment option if your benign thyroid nodules are causing symptoms or is affecting the appearance of your neck. It aims to reduce the size of the nodule while preserving as much healthy thyroid tissue as possible.
In the UK, radiofrequency ablation is a relatively new treatment option and is not available at every hospital. Circle Reading Hospital is one of the few hospitals across the UK that can offer radiofrequency ablation to help treat thyroid nodule growth.
To find out whether radiofrequency ablation could be suitable for you, contact our hospital team to book a consultation with a specialist or for further information about the treatment.
If you are based in Reading, Wokingham, Newbury, surrounding Berkshire areas and beyond, you can receive private specialist care in a modern hospital environment with Circle Reading Hospital. You can get swift access to appointments and treatment at a time that suits you.
The cost of radiofrequency ablation therapy treatment will depend on your individual circumstances.
At Circle Health Group hospitals, you will always be told exactly what any treatment will cost before you book, and we use fixed-price packages, so there won’t be any surprises down the line. Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your relevant treatment and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant's outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.
Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.
If you have private medical insurance, you should check beforehand to see if this form of treatment is covered. For more information, visit our private medical insurance page.
A thyroid nodule is an unusual lump of cells on your thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly shaped gland in your neck, responsible for producing certain hormones that play a role in some body functions such as your metabolism, digestion, and heart rate.
In most cases, these nodules are noncancerous (benign) but, in rare cases, they can be cancerous. This is why it is important to seek medical advice if you are experiencing symptoms, so you can further investigate your thyroid and determine whether you have cancer or not.
Typically, benign thyroid nodules aren’t a cause for concern. However, they can cause reoccurring symptoms, such as voice changes and pain, and or cause your gland to become enlarged, which can affect the appearance of the neck.
RFA is a minimally invasive treatment option for selected benign thyroid nodules. It helps treat a benign thyroid nodule by using heat to destroy part of its tissue, rather than removing part or all the thyroid with traditional surgery. Radiofrequency ablation uses radiofrequency energy to generate controlled heat. The heat treatment causes the nodule to shrink gradually while leaving the surrounding thyroid largely intact. Once the treated tissue shrinks, this can help reduce the size of the nodule and improve symptoms.
It is usually performed through a thin probe passed through into the nodule in the neck under ultrasound guidance. The procedure is usually done under local anaesthetic, meaning you will be awake during the treatment.
RFA is not suitable for every thyroid nodule. During your initial consultation, one of our expert consultants will assess your symptoms, medical history, thyroid function and imaging before recommending treatment. To determine what may be troubling you, your consultant may perform a physical examination of your neck to check for any signs of concern.
RFA may be considered for adults with a benign thyroid nodule that is:
Your thyroid nodule will need appropriate investigation before RFA treatment can be recommended. This can include an ultrasound scan and a fine needle aspiration (FNA), which uses a small needle to take cells from the nodule for examination. The purpose is to confirm that the nodule is benign rather than cancerous. Sometimes, two needle tests are required before proceeding. If it is found to be a benign thyroid nodule issue, your consultant will discuss your available treatment options, including RFA, and whether monitoring the concern is a viable route.
RFA is not a treatment for thyroid cancer. If you are found to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer, your consultant will discuss the appropriate treatment options for the cancer going forward.
In preparation for the procedure, you will usually be asked to lie on your back on an operating table, with your neck gently extended out. Local anaesthetic is then used to numb the treatment area.
Your consultant will use ultrasound to help guide the treatment needle into the thyroid nodule. Radiofrequency energy is then delivered through the needle to heat and treat the targeted tissue. The needle may be repositioned during the procedure so that different areas of the nodule can be treated. The procedure is minimally invasive and does not require a traditional surgical incision (cut into the skin).
The exact length of the appointment will depend on the size and location of the nodule and your individual treatment plan based on your specific needs.
After a period of observation, most patients can return home the same day as the procedure. Your consultant will provide advice about your recovery based on your individual needs, including any medication you may need and when you can expect to return to normal activities.
Some patients have noted that they experience temporary discomfort, swelling or bruising around the treatment area after the procedure. Your clinical team will explain what symptoms you can expect after RFA and when you should seek further medical advice.
Follow-up appointments and further ultrasound scans may be recommended going forward to monitor the reduction in the size of the thyroid nodule and to assess your recovery.
Circle Reading Hospital has provided expert private healthcare to those based in Reading, Wokingham, Newbury and the surrounding areas for more than a decade.
The hospital provides a calm, modern environment with a range of diagnostic and treatment facilities. Patients have access to on-site imaging including ultrasound, MRI, CT and X-ray, alongside a range of other specialist services.
Circle Reading Hospital is easy to access, with good connections to local bus routes and road links. For patients travelling by car, the hospital is close to both close to the A33 and M4, with free parking available on site. The hospital is close to the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Green Park Business Park for further parking, if necessary.
Choosing private healthcare can give you greater flexibility around appointments and access to consultant-led care.
If you considering radiofrequency ablation at Circle Reading Hospital, you can benefit from:
Many patients choose Circle Reading Hospital for the reassurance of knowing their care is guided by trusted healthcare professionals, supported by the wider Circle Health Group network.
To find out more about radiofrequency ablation or book an appointment with an expert consultant near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.
Reception: 0118 922 6888
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Consultations 16yrs+ Procedures 18yrs+
