HOUSTON, TX – Dr. Cristina Boccalandro, MD, MPH, founder of the Thyroid and RFA Center for Excellence now offers the latest advances in non-surgical treatment of thyroid nodules with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the thyroid. RFA is An FDA approved, non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that uses heat generated, medium-frequency current to shrink benign thyroid nodules. Performed in-office, under local anesthesia, RFA is a relatively painless procedure and an advantageous alternative to surgery as it maintains normal thyroid function.
“This innovative technique allows us to treat thyroid nodules without causing damage or removal of the thyroid gland. Surgical removal of the thyroid can affect the quality of life and may require a patient to take thyroid medication for the rest of their life. RFA has all the benefits, with minimal risks”
— says Dr. Cristina Boccalandro, MD, MPH.
Dr. Boccalandro leads the Center and its team and has dedicated her entire career to Endocrinology with a special concentration in thyroid conditions. This special interest in Interventional Endocrinology has led her to receive her training in thyroid radiofrequency ablation with renowned Head and Neck Surgeon, Dr. Leonardo Rangel. Dr. Boccalandro is the only physician in the Houston area performing this procedure and she is currently treating patients from around the world, who have traveled to Houston to have this procedure performed.
Developed more than 15 years ago, RFA has proved effective with clinical trials showing “cold” benign nodules (those that do not produce excess thyroid hormone) had a mean reduction rate of 32.7 to 58.2% at one month and 50.7 to 84.85 at six months. In most patients, nodule related symptoms and cosmetic problems significantly improved or disappeared. For “hot” benign thyroid nodules (those that do produce excess thyroid hormone) clinical trials have shown volume reduction rates of 52.6 to 70.7% at six months and improved or normalized thyroid function in most patients.
About Thyroid and RFA Center for Excellence
Thyroid and RFA Center for Excellence, a private practice, founded by Dr. Cristina Boccalandro, MD., MPH, in Houston, TX in the Texas Medical Center. Since 2007, Dr. Boccalandro and her team have cared for patients from Houston and the US as well as international patients from multiple countries. Thyroid and RFA Center for Excellence is one of just a small number of practices throughout the United States currently performing thyroid radiofrequency ablation and is the first and only in Houston. For more information go to www.thyroidrfacenterforexcellence.com
