Is Surgery Your Only Option for Thyroid Nodules? Not Anymore.
Learn how to treat a potentially troublesome thyroid nodule can be stressful. The thought of neck surgery, hospital stay, and recovery is daunting. And, for many people in India, surgery raises serious concerns - cost/financial impact, scarring, or health risks. The good news is that there is a non-surgical way to treat thyroid nodule ablation in Delhi. With Microwave Ablation (MWA), the treatment is fast, safe, and highly effective. So, let's get right to your question: How safe is microwave ablation for thyroid nodules?
This blog will review the safety, success rates, and studies which demonstrate the reliability of Microwave Ablation (MWA) for thyroid nodules.
What is Microwave Ablation (MWA)?
Microwave Ablation (MWA) is a minimally invasive procedure to treat benign thyroid nodules without having to remove the thyroid.
How Does MWA Work?
A thin needle-like probe is placed into the nodule under ultrasound visualization. Microwave energy is utilised to heat the tissue in and around the nodule. The heating process will ultimately destroy the abnormal cells, with a reduction of the size of the nodule occurring in the months that follow. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, takes less than one hour to perform, and does not require hospitalization.
Is Microwave Ablation Safe?
Yes, MWA is highly safe—especially for trained experts. This method mitigates potential risks in traditional thyroid surgery:
- No general anesthesia
- No disfiguring cuts or scars
- Reduced risk of injuring the voice or parathyroid glands.
Typical Experiences After MWA
- Mild throat pain for 1-2 days
- Light swelling around the neck.
- Return to regular routines soon (within 24-48 hours)
- Most report mild discomfort, and feel back to themselves in a day.
What Do the Studies Say About MWA?
There is robust evidence to support the safety and efficacy of microwave ablation.
Study 1: Radiology (2020)
1,459 patients treated with MWA
Over 95% volume reduction in thyroid nodules, Minimal complication incidents in over 98% of cases.
Study 2: Frontiers in Endocrinology (2022)
Compared MWA with thyroid surgery
MWA recovery faster, side effects fewer and less tissue damage
Study 3: Chinese multicenter trial (2021)
Over 2,000 patients across 10 hospitals,
Success rate 96.7%, Sustained symptom relief in over 90% of patients
Combined these studies provide compelling proof that MWA is not only safe, but also reliable and enduring.
What are the success rates?
MWA isn't only safe it is also highly effective.
Key Findings:
Nodule shrinkage: 60-90% in 6 months.
Pain and pressure relief: 85% of patients experienced relief.
Visible improvement in neck shape: 90% of cases.
Recurrence rate: Rare at <5% over 2 years.
MWA has been widely used in Korea, China, and Europe and is slowly beginning to gain use in India due to these results.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During MWA?
If you choose to proceed with microwave ablation, this is what to expect:
🔹 Step 1: Diagnosis
Ultrasound exam to confirm size/location of the nodule.
Biopsy (FNAC) to confirm non-cancer.
🔹 Step 2: The Day of Procedure
Local anesthetic is given (you are awake).
A small puncture is the entry point for the probe.
Microwave energy is applied for 5-10 minutes.
🔹 Step 3: Recovery
You will rest for 1-2 hours.
Most patients can go home the same day.
Throat soreness is possible for 24 hours.
Who Can Choose MWA?
MWA is a approved option for:
- There are benign thyroid nodules
- Nodule(s) are causing swelling/pain/discomfort
- There are visible nodules that affect neck appearance
- Patients are unfit/unwilling to have surgery
- Women are concerned with neck scarring
- Elderly or high-risk patients
Real Case Example (India)
Patient's Name: Renu, 35, Delhi
Reason for Presentation: A visible lump in her neck and minor difficulty swallowing
Treatment: MWA instead of surgery
Outcome:
- Time spent on procedure: 30 minutes
- Time to return back to work: 2 days
- Outcome: 70% reduction of nodule size at 3 months
- No scar, and did not need any thyroid medicine
Tips when considering a safe, MWA-clinic
- Look for a clinic that also ablates using ultrasound guided ablation.
- Ask if the doctor has specific experience in using ablation in thyroid cases
- Ensure that MWA is only used for benign (non-cancerous) nodules
- Ensure comprehensive follow-up care is provided
Where to Get Thyroid Nodule Ablation in Delhi?
Looking for safe, experienced-led, minimally invasive treatment!
Essentia Medicals provides thyroid nodule ablation in Delhi using state-of-the-art microwave ablation equipment. Our team includes highly-skilled interventional radiologists, specifically experienced in MWA for many years. Why not learn more or book an appointment here:
Final Thoughts
Microwave ablation is a safe, reliable, and proven treatment for benign thyroid nodules. It is non-surgical, preserves normal tissue and function of the thyroid, and offers a short recovery time.
