Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid Nodules

At Utah Endocrinology Associates, we specialize in treating all thyroid conditions and disorders. If you have a benign thyroid nodule, surgery isn't your only option. We are proud to be one of the few centers in the United States offering four advanced, minimally invasive procedures including Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), to safely shrink or eliminate problematic nodules—often without the need for general anesthesia or a visible scar.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Symptoms Does a Thyroid Nodule Cause?

Thyroid nodules, enlargement (goiter), or cancer can affect thyroid function. Symptoms may include:

 

  • A lump in the neck
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • Voice changes or hoarseness
  • A visibly enlarged thyroid gland
  • Hard or immobile areas in the neck

Because thyroid-related symptoms can mimic other conditions, getting an accurate diagnosis is essential. Our endocrinology specialists have advanced training in thyroidology and specialize in treating all types of thyroid disorders with compassionate, evidence-based care.


We perform thyroid-specific blood tests and our state of the art facility offers advanced tools including in-office thyroid ultrasound to accurately identify and monitor your thyroid nodule. This is often followed by a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) to determine if the nodule is benign or cancerous.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), Radio Wave Ablation (RWA), Nanosecond Pulse Field Ablation (nsPFA) and Ethanol Ablation are minimally invasive procedures used to treat benign thyroid nodules. These treatments offer a safe and effective alternative to surgery or radioactive iodine therapy, with minimal side effects and a faster recovery time.

  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): RFA uses High-frequency radio waves to generate heat, which destroys thyroid nodules while preserving the healthy surrounding tissue.
  • Radio Wave Ablation (RWA): RWA utilizes Microwaves to rapidly heat and shrink thyroid nodules with is ideal for large or complex nodules while still preserving the healthy surrounding tissue.
  • Nanosecond Pulse Field Ablation (nsPFA): nsPFA is a non-thermal ablation technique used to treat thyroid nodules by delivering ultra-short, high-voltage electric pulses. This pulses disrupt cellular membranes and structures leading to rapid and targeted cell death without significant heat generation, thus preserving the surrounding tissue integrity.
  • Ethanol Ablation: Ethanol Ablation, also called percutaneous ethanol injection, involves injecting a small amount of medical grade ethanol directly into a thyroid cysts, causing them to collapse and gradually shrink.

These minimally invasive treatment options are suitable for patients with symptomatic or cosmetically concerning thyroid nodules and cysts that are not cancerous. The benefits of RFA, RWA, and Ethanol Ablation include:

  • Minimal discomfort and pain
  • 30-60 minute in office procedure
  • Local Anesthesia
  • Short recovery time
  • Preservation of healthy thyroid tissue
  • Reduced risk of complications compared to surgery
  • No scarring

At Utah Endocrinology Associates, we are dedicated to providing personalized care and exploring all available treatment options to ensure the best possible outcome for our patients.

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