Sandra’s story – microwave ablation for multinodular goitre

For anyone considering microwave ablation, I encourage them to go for it. It’s made a significant difference in my life.

I was diagnosed with multinodular goitre over 20 years ago, but it was small, did not change my thyroid function and it didn’t affect me at that time. My thyroid issues came to light during a CT scan for swallowing problems, although it wasn’t the cause then. Over the years, my thyroid enlarged, leading to tracheal collapse and swallowing and breathing difficulties. I also experienced throat pains, hearing issues, choking and severe sleep apnoea, which made my condition quite challenging for the past eight years. 


Over the previous year, I had become slightly hyperthyroid. I was offered surgery in UCLH, but due to my health conditions, including severe sleep apnoea, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) and diabetes, the risks were concerning. So I was advised that I would be in intensive care and have at least a four-day stay in hospital.

While the surgeons recommended surgery, my GP advised against it. This left me feeling confused. Given my responsibilities as a parent to children with health issues, I was hesitant to undergo surgery or take more medication. I requested Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) but was turned down due to the number of nodules I had.

Through research, I found Dr Tim Yusuf and learned about microwave ablation. He was just starting to offer this treatment for thyroid nodules but was very supportive and promised to help me. He advised that microwave would be better for me as the wand targeted a wider area, unlike RFA which was slower as it targeted each nodule. He provided me with a lot of information about its efficacy as well as its safety.  Obtaining a GP referral was challenging but I eventually secured one. I believe my doctors recognised that, given my other health conditions, surgery might be too drastic. I had also already read up on the treatment so was well informed before proceeding.

The procedure was done on the left side of the goitre under local anaesthetic in May. It involved some discomfort, but it was manageable. Dr Yusuf and his team provided excellent support throughout, keeping me informed, and I experienced no side effects and no scarring.

Before and after images of a womans neck. In the before picture the neck is swollen in the lower region. In the after picture the lower region is far less swollen

Sandra's neck three months before microwave ablation (left) and immediately after the procedure (right)

Since the procedure, I have noticed significant improvements. I had a follow-up in September—my thyroid has shrunk by about 76%, and I’ve experienced relief from choking sensations and nighttime panic attacks. The congestion/catarrh-like sensations that have been plaguing me for the past several years have reduced on the left side of my throat. My voice is clearer, I can hear better, and I feel more confident and less depressed. My left side looks and feels smaller now, and this has been noticed by friends and family.  
My most recent tests still show a slight elevation in my thyroid levels i.e. no change from pre-ablation levels. However, I am not experiencing any underactivity and am not on medication. It's worth noting that I have only had nodules on one side of my thyroid ablated, so the nodules on the other side may still be producing excess hormones.

I am hopeful that the right side of the goitre will be treated in the near future when things have settled a bit more. For anyone considering microwave ablation, I encourage them to go for it. It’s made a significant difference in my life. While I still have some issues to address, such as a sore throat-like pain and catarrh, along with a choking sensation on the right side, the improvements have been remarkable, and I genuinely feel lucky and so thankful to have received this treatment.

Read more about microwave ablation
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