The James Cancer Hospital is the first medical facility in central Ohio to offer radiofrequency ablation to treat and destroy benign and cancerous thyroid nodules. In this episode, Barbra Miller, MD, describes this high-tech, minimally invasive treatment technique and the advantages for patients. “It can be done in the office and most patients are in and out of the clinic within 30 minutes to an hour after the procedure,” she explained. Here’s how radiofrequency ablation works: The surgeon insets a very small needle into the nodule; radiofrequency waves are used to heat the tip of the needle, and this ablates (destroys) the tissue in the nodule. “We use the moving-shot technique,” Miller said, adding this technique involves moving the end of the needle to different locations with the nodule to destroy it completely. Miller also describes microwave ablation, which is similar but uses microwaves to heat the end of the needle. This technique is in the early stages but could eventually be utilized as much or even more than radiofrequency ablation. “It’s exciting to have this ability to offer our patients, something better and safer and that’s always what we look to accomplish,” Miller said.