Radiofrequency Ablation for Treating Thyroid Nodules

The UPMC Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology now offers radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat thyroid nodules. RFA is a thermal ablation technique that reduces the volume of thyroid nodules, relieving related symptoms. UPMC is the only provider offering this procedure in the greater Pittsburgh area.

“RFA is a safe, minimally invasive procedure with high success rates, resulting in thyroid nodules shrinking by 50 to 90% within a year after treatment. This can reduce and even eliminate symptoms like voice hoarseness, discomfort, and swallowing issues,” says Elena Morariu, MD, endocrinologist, UPMC Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, who offers RFA in her Oakland office.

Benefits of RFA include:

• Targeted, sparing healthy thyroid tissue.
• No need for hospitalization or general anesthesia.
• Short recovery time.

“Most people who receive RFA are back to their daily lifestyle in a day or so. Additionally, they are more likely to maintain their thyroid function versus those who have thyroid nodules surgically removed,” says Esra Karslioglu French, MD, clinical chief, UPMC Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, who also provides RFA.

Ideal RFA patients may include people with large, non-cancerous thyroid nodules that are:

• Causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, discomfort, or pressure.
• Producing excess thyroid hormone, or hyperthyroidism.
• Cosmetically concerning.
• Proven benign on biopsy (usually two biopsies recommended).

Our experts closely collaborate with referring physicians, and we work to maintain open communication at every stage of the evaluation process. You’ll continually be updated about your patient’s progress and will remain an integral part of your patient’s care.

To refer a patient, call 412-586-9700.