Thyroid nodule treatment in Pune - Dr Abhishek Bairy – Minimally Invasive Thyroid Care in Pune

Common tests include:

• Clinical examination by your doctor of the neck

• Blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels

• An Ultrasound scan of the neck may be advised to assess the size and type of nodule

• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) to rule out cancer, if required

Based on these results, your doctor will decide whether observation or treatment is needed.

Do All Thyroid Nodules Need Treatment?

No.

Many small or stable nodules only require:

• Regular follow-up

• Periodic ultrasound scans

Treatment is advised when a nodule:

• Is growing

• Causes pain, pressure, or cosmetic concern

• Affects swallowing or breathing

• Produces excess thyroid hormones

What are the conventional treatments for a thyroid Nodule?

• Medications: You can be prescribed some medicines to control your hormonal levels, but they may not help decrease the size of the nodule.

• Surgery: Open surgical removal of half or full of the thyroid gland depending on the size and location of the nodules. While surgery is necessary in some cases (essential in cancer), it also comes with certain downsides.

Possible concerns with surgery:

• A visible neck scar

• Hospital admission and longer recovery

• Risk of voice changes due to nerve injury

• Risk to parathyroid glands (calcium imbalance)

• Often requires lifelong thyroid hormone tablets

• General anaesthesia is needed

Treatment Without Surgery

Today, non-surgical thyroid nodule treatment is possible using advanced techniques known as thyroid ablation.

These treatments shrink the nodule from inside—without removing the thyroid gland.

What Is Thyroid Ablation?

• Thyroid ablation is a minimally invasive procedure performed under ultrasound guidance.

• A thin needle is inserted into the nodule, and controlled energy is used to reduce its size.

• The healthy thyroid tissue is left untouched.

Microwave Ablation (MWA):

Microwave ablation (MWA) uses microwave energy to generate heat within the nodule.

Benefits:

• Quick and precise

• Minimal discomfort

• Short recovery time

• No general anaesthesia

• Most patients resume daily activities within 1–2 days

• Lower risk of voice change

• Thyroid function better preserved.

Both RFA and MWA are effective options for solitary thyroid nodule treatment.

Alcohol (Ethanol) Ablation for Thyroid Cysts

For fluid-filled (cystic) thyroid nodules, alcohol ablation is often recommended.

• Alcohol is injected directly into the cyst

• The cyst gradually shrinks over weeks

• No surgery required

Follow-up ultrasounds are done to monitor progress.

Why Choose Thyroid Ablation Over Surgery?

Patients increasingly prefer thyroid ablation instead of surgery because:

• ✅ No visible scar on the neck

• ✅ Faster recovery

• ✅ Minimal pain

• ✅ Very low risk of complications

• ✅ Normal thyroid function is preserved

• ✅ Reduced need for lifelong thyroid medication

Most patients return to normal life within a day or two.

Who is a good Candidate for Thyroid Ablation?

• Benign nodules on FNAC

• Symptomatic or cosmetically concerning nodules

• Patients who want to avoid major surgery

• Patients unfit for surgery.

Who should still consider Surgery?

• Proven or high suspicion of cancer

• Patient preference

In Simple Terms

• Most thyroid nodules are not dangerous

• Surgery is not always required

• Non-surgical thyroid treatments are safe and effective

• Recovery is quick

• Your thyroid gland is preserved

If you’ve been diagnosed with a thyroid nodule or goitre and want to know whether non-surgical thyroid treatment is right for you, a specialist evaluation can help guide the best option.

A safe, modern, non-surgical scar-free option

Have you been told you have a thyroid nodule?
Are you worried about surgery, scars, or lifelong medicines?

You’re not alone—but the good news is that now many thyroid nodules can be treated without surgery.

How is that possible?

With advanced, minimally invasive treatments like thyroid ablation, nodules can be safely reduced while preserving normal thyroid function. These procedures are quick, effective, and involve minimal intervention.

First things first:

What exactly Is a Thyroid Nodule?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck.
A thyroid nodule is a lump that develops within this gland.

Most thyroid nodules:

• Are benign (non-cancerous)

• Grow slowly

• Do not cause serious problems

Some nodules, however, may increase in size or cause discomfort—and that’s when treatment may be needed.

What Symptoms Can Thyroid Nodules Cause?

You may not have any symptoms or you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

• A visible or felt lump in the neck

• Pressure or tightness in the throat

• Difficulty swallowing

• Change in voice or hoarseness

• Unexplained tiredness

• Weight gain or weight loss

• Fast or irregular heartbeat

• Feeling anxious, sweaty, or heat intolerant

• Dry skin, hair fall, or brittle nails

If these symptoms are present, a thyroid evaluation is recommended.

How Are Thyroid Nodules Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually simple and painless.