​Majority of benign thyroid nodules are stable or slow-growing over time and do not cause symptoms (found incidentally). However, sometimes there may be neck pain, swallowing difficulty, foreign body sensation or cosmetic issues (visible or palpable swelling in the neck). Certain thyroid nodules may also rarely produce high levels of thyroid hormone, which can cause a wide range of symptoms including irritability, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, visual problems and heart palpitations. 

​There are no known measures identified to prevent benign thyroid nodules from developing in the majority of cases. However, a benign thyroid nodule which causes symptoms may benefit from an early intervention which can potentially reduce the nodule size. 

​The definitive causes of benign thyroid nodules have not been clearly identified. Some studies show that certain thyroid nodules may relate to smoking, obesity and metabolic syndrome or alcohol consumption (associated with thyroid gland enlargement, more so in women). Very rare, thyroid growths may be caused by insufficient iodine in the diet, usually in the developing world. 

​Thyroid nodules are predominantly diagnosed by an ultrasound scan. Based on the scan result, certain thyroid nodules only require monitoring on follow-up, whereas some of them require biopsy, such as Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) or Core biopsy, to make a diagnosis. 

​After the RFA procedure, a small dressing will be placed over the site of the needle puncture, which can be removed at home in 1-2 days. You may have mild neck bruising, discomfort, swelling or pain, which will resolve in a few days. You will be able to eat, drink or carry out daily activities normally. An outpatient appointment will be given to you for post procedure follow-up. An ultrasound scan of the thyroid will be performed in about 6 months to assess nodule size reduction following RFA.