Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that does not involve the removal of any tissue or organ or involve cutting the body. It is a type of ablation therapy, which is used when surgery is not a good option. During the procedure, a thin needle or probe is inserted through the skin into the tumor and guided by images. The probe passes alternating electrical current (radio frequency energy) through the tumor tissue, generating heat at the tumor site and causing tumor necrosis (cell death) and destruction of cancerous tissue.
The dead cells eventually turn into a harmless scar. Radiofrequency ablation, also known as rhizotomy, is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to reduce or stop the transmission of pain. A needle-like probe is inserted into the body and radiofrequency waves are sent from the probe into the surrounding tissue, resulting in the death of nearby cells. As these cells die, the immune system removes them, causing an internal reaction and usually causing the nodule to contract. In some types of chronic pain, radiofrequency ablation can disable the nerve fibers that carry the pain signal through the spinal cord to the brain. In appropriate patients, approximately 70% of RFA procedures provide pain relief that lasts a year or longer.
The technique may be useful for some people living with chronic arthritis or degenerative back and neck problems. After radiofrequency ablation, you may feel deep discomfort along with some numbness or burning sensation as you recover. Although radiofrequency ablation is not considered surgery, it is a minimally invasive procedure that alters nerves, muscles, and soft tissues. If you and your doctor decide that RFA is appropriate for treating a thyroid nodule, you will have one or more fine-needle aspiration biopsy procedures to make sure that the nodule is benign.
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