Who is a possible candidate for RFA?

The following indications are widely accepted. Prerequisite to an RFA treatment is always a thorough ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland and the neck as well as a confirmed benign cytology (in case of cold or warm nodules).

These patients are in general good candidates for RFA

• nodule(s) causing symptoms
  (i.e. difficulty swallowing, sensation of “lump in throat”, hoarseness, pain)
• visual nodules causing cosmetic issues
• “hot” nodules/autonomous adenoma (and radioiodine therapy or surgery are undesirable)
• fast growing nodule(s) or cyst(s)
• patients wishing to avoid surgery
• patients for whom general anaesthesia could be problematic

These patients are no candidates for RFA

• nodules that are suspicious or carry already the diagnosis of malignancy
• Hashimoto Thyroiditis
• Graves disease
• large goiters in patients with no contraindication for surgery
• nodule at an unfavorable location