Thyroid Nodules
- Home / Thyroid Nodules
What Are Thyroid Nodules?
Thyroid nodules are abnormal growths or lumps that develop within the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. These nodules are very common and are often detected incidentally during imaging or routine health check-ups. Most thyroid nodules are benign (non-cancerous) and may not cause symptoms initially. However, as they grow, they can lead to visible neck swelling, discomfort, or pressure-related symptoms. In some cases, nodules may affect thyroid hormone production, leading to hormonal imbalance.
Symptoms of Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodule ablation may be advised for patients whose nodules cause symptoms or cosmetic concerns that affect daily life or well-being.
01
A visible or palpable lump in the neck
A noticeable neck swelling or lump felt on touch, gradually increasing in size
02
Neck discomfort or pressure
Persistent leg tiredness or heaviness, worsening after standing or long periods
03
Difficulty swallowing or a choking sensation
Fluid buildup causes swelling in ankles or feet, worsening by evening
04
Change in voice or hoarseness
A noticeable neck swelling or lump felt on touch, gradually increasing in size
05
Symptoms related to excess thyroid hormone in selected cases
Excess hormone causes palpitations, weight loss, anxiety, sweating symptoms.
UFE is advised for women who experience symptoms due to fibroids like
- A visible or palpable lump in the neck
- Neck discomfort or pressure
- Difficulty swallowing or a choking sensation
- Change in voice or hoarseness
- Symptoms related to excess thyroid hormone in selected cases
Why Patients Prefer Thyroid Nodule Ablation
- No surgical incision or visible scar
- No removal of the thyroid gland
- Usually performed under local anesthesia
- Faster recovery and same-day discharge in most cases
- Preserves thyroid function in the majority of patients
Why Choose Thyroid Nodule Ablation at Vikash IR Clinic?
At Vikash IR Clinic, thyroid nodule ablation is considered only after a thorough imaging-based evaluation confirms that it is the right treatment option. Dr. Vikash Chennur is a senior Interventional Radiologist and an AIIMS Gold Medalist, with extensive experience in advanced image-guided, minimally invasive therapies. He has trained and worked across leading institutions in India and internationally, bringing global best practices to patient care.
Preserve Your Thyroid. Treat the Nodule.
Most thyroid nodules are benign—and many do not require removal of the thyroid gland. With thyroid nodule ablation, it is now possible to treat the problematic nodule using a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure, without a surgical scar on the neck and without prolonged recovery. For suitable benign nodules, ablation offers effective symptom relief while preserving normal thyroid tissue.
When Surgery Is Not the Only Option
Surgery is no longer the default choice for patients with biopsy-proven benign thyroid nodule. A detailed ultrasound-based evaluation can identify patients for a thyroid-preserving, minimally invasive ablation approach.
Procedure Overview & Recovery Timeline
Thyroid nodule ablation is performed through a needle-based, image-guided technique, without any surgical incision. Under ultrasound guidance, a thin probe is inserted into the thyroid nodule, and controlled energy is delivered to ablate the nodule tissue. Over time, the treated nodule gradually shrinks and symptoms improve. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Most patients are observed briefly and can return home the same day. Recovery is generally quick. Mild neck discomfort or swelling may occur for a few days and is managed with simple medications. Most patients can resume normal activities within one to two days. Nodule size reduction occurs gradually over weeks to months, with follow-up imaging used to monitor response and outcomes.
Why Patients Prefer Thyroid Nodule Ablation
- No surgical incision or visible scar
- No removal of the thyroid gland
- Usually performed under local anesthesia
- Faster recovery and same-day discharge in most cases
- Preserves thyroid function in the majority of patients
This is targeted treatment—focused only on what needs to be treated.
If you have a symptomatic thyroid nodule or have been advised surgery for a thyroid nodule, it is worth exploring whether ablation is suitable for you.
Book your scan today for fast, accurate diagnosis and expert care you can trust.
Your health is our priority. Book an appointment or speak with our care team now.
Book an Appointment
Frequently Asked Questions About Thyroid Nodule Ablation
MRI is recommended when you experience persistent pain, neurological symptoms, or unexplained changes in your body. It helps doctors identify the exact cause and plan accurate treatment with clear internal imaging.
1. What is thyroid nodule ablation?
Thyroid nodule ablation is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to treat benign thyroid nodules. Instead of removing the thyroid gland, the procedure precisely targets and treats only the nodule, allowing it to shrink gradually over time.
2. Why choose ablation instead of surgery?
Unlike surgery, thyroid nodule ablation:
• Preserves the thyroid gland
• Avoids a visible neck scar
• Does not usually require general anesthesia
• Allows faster recovery and early return to normal life
For suitable benign nodules, ablation offers effective symptom relief without overtreatment.
3. Who is a good candidate for thyroid nodule ablation?
You may be a suitable candidate if you have:
• A biopsy-confirmed benign thyroid nodule
• Increasing nodule size
• Pressure symptoms, discomfort, or cosmetic concerns
• A preference to avoid surgery and thyroid removal
A detailed imaging and clinical evaluation is essential to confirm eligibility.
4. Is thyroid nodule ablation safe?
Yes. When performed by an experienced Interventional Radiologist and in appropriately selected patients, thyroid nodule ablation has a strong safety profile and avoids many risks associated with open surgery.
5. Will the thyroid nodule be completely removed?
The nodule is not surgically removed. Instead, the treated tissue shrinks gradually over weeks to months, leading to improvement in symptoms and appearance.
6. Will I need surgery after ablation?
Most patients do not require surgery after successful ablation. In very large nodules or if symptoms persist, additional ablation sessions or surgery may be considered.
7. Will thyroid hormone levels be affected?
In most cases, thyroid function is preserved because ablation treats only the nodule while sparing healthy thyroid tissue.
8. Is the procedure painful?
The procedure is generally well tolerated. Mild discomfort or pressure may be felt during or shortly after the treatment and is usually managed with simple medications.
9. How long does the procedure take?
Thyroid nodule ablation typically takes 30–60 minutes and is usually performed under local anesthesia (± mild sedation).
10. How soon can I return to normal activities?
Most patients return to normal daily activities within 1–2 days. There is no prolonged downtime or hospital stay in most cases.
11. Can the nodule come back after ablation?
Treated nodules usually continue to shrink, and recurrence is uncommon after complete ablation. Very large nodules may require staged treatment.
12. Who performs thyroid nodule ablation?
Thyroid nodule ablation is performed by an Interventional Radiologist, a specialist trained in image-guided, minimally invasive therapies.