Thyroid nodules and goiters are common growths within the thyroid gland that can lead to neck swelling, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or a persistent sensation of pressure. At Medical Vascular Partners, double board-certified diagnostic and interventional radiologists Dr. Rajiv Srinivasa and Dr. Taylor Maloney offer advanced, minimally invasive treatments to relieve symptoms, preserve thyroid function, and help you feel comfortable again.
Overview
Thyroid nodules are growths that develop within the thyroid gland, ranging from small, symptom-free lumps to larger masses that cause pressure or cosmetic concerns. A goiter is an overall enlargement of the thyroid gland that may occur with or without nodules. Both conditions are common and usually benign, but they can lead to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, or visible fullness in the neck. Your physician evaluates each case carefully to determine whether monitoring or minimally invasive treatment is the right next step.
Symptoms of Thyroid Nodules & Goiters
Thyroid nodules and goiters do not always cause noticeable problems, but when symptoms appear, they often relate to pressure on nearby structures or changes in thyroid function. Common signs of thyroid nodules/goiters may include:
- A visible lump or swelling in the neck
- A feeling of fullness, tightness, or pressure at the base of the throat
- Difficulty swallowing certain foods or liquids
- Hoarseness or changes in your voice
- Persistent coughing not related to illness
- Shortness of breath when lying flat
Treatment for Thyroid Nodules & Goiters
Your physician begins by carefully evaluating your symptoms, thyroid imaging, and lab results to understand the size, type, and behavior of your nodule or goiter. At Medical Vascular Partners, we focus on minimally invasive solutions that relieve pressure and cosmetic concerns while preserving healthy thyroid tissue. This approach allows many patients to avoid traditional surgery, a neck incision, and long recovery times.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a targeted procedure that uses controlled thermal energy to shrink benign thyroid nodules. Under ultrasound guidance, a thin probe is placed directly into the nodule to deliver heat that destroys excess tissue while leaving surrounding structures intact. Over time, the treated nodule shrinks, reducing pressure, improving appearance, and alleviating symptoms. Because RFA maintains normal thyroid function and requires little downtime, it is an appealing alternative to traditional surgical removal.
Advantages of
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA is a modern alternative to thyroid surgery that reduces the size of problematic nodules without removing the gland entirely. This allows patients to experience relief while maintaining normal thyroid function. Key advantages of RFA for thyroid nodules include:
- No surgical incision or visible scarring
- Minimal downtime with a quick return to daily activities
- Preservation of healthy thyroid tissue and hormone function
- Significant reduction in nodule size and related symptoms
- Lower risk of complications compared to traditional surgery
- Outpatient procedure performed with local anesthesia
Schedule Your Consultation
Medical Vascular Partners is a physician-led practice specializing in minimally invasive treatments for thyroid nodules and goiters that do not require traditional surgery. Our team uses image-guided techniques to shrink nodules, alleviate discomfort, and preserve thyroid function, all within a comfortable outpatient setting. If you’re experiencing neck swelling, difficulty swallowing, or voice changes, we can help you explore effective options. Schedule your consultation to explore your treatments for thyroid nodules & goiters in Austin, TX.
