Thyroid Nodule Ablation Australia

A/Professor Catherine F Sinclair - Australia's First and most Experienced Thyroid Ablation Specialist
1300 370 664
Catherine F Sinclair
What is Thyroid Nodule Ablation?
Who Can Perform Thyroid Ablation
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Dr Catherine Sinclair is a dual fellowship-trained thyroid, neck, and laryngology surgeon and is widely recognised as one of the world's leading experts in thyroid nodule ablation. Based in Melbourne and Sydney, she brings more than 15 years of specialised experience in thyroid imaging, ultrasound-guided procedures, and complex thyroid disease management, having personally performed over 12,000 thyroid and neck ultrasound examinations and biopsies.
Internationally renowned for her expertise in thyroid ablation, Dr Sinclair performed New York's first benign thyroid nodule ablation in 2019 and subsequently introduced the procedure to Australia in 2021. She remains Australia's most experienced thyroid ablation specialist, performing multiple procedures every week and offering a depth of technical expertise unmatched elsewhere in the country. Her extensive procedural experience, combined with advanced ultrasound skills and specialist surgical training, enables her to safely treat a wide range of thyroid nodules, including complex cases that may not be suitable for less experienced operators.
A/Professor Sinclair occupies a unique leadership position in the field of ablation. She is currently the only clinician in Australia performing thyroid ablation at high volume and has established Australia's only dedicated thyroid ablation training courses, providing advanced hands-on instruction to surgeons, endocrinologists, and radiologists. Internationally recognised for her expertise, she regularly teaches and mentors specialists worldwide, has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, and contributes to the development of global best-practice guidelines. She chaired the 2024 American Thyroid Association Statement on thyroid ablation safety, underscoring her reputation as one of the world's foremost authorities in the field. She was also a founding member of the North American Society for Interventional Thyroidology.
Her practice is dedicated to providing personalised, evidence-based care, offering patients the full spectrum of treatment options including surveillance, thyroid ablation, and surgery. As a thyroidologist with over 15 years experience in counselling patients with thyroid disease, she is committed to helping people make informed decisions through clear, balanced guidance on the benefits and limitations of each approach. Her unique combination of dual fellowship training in both thyroid surgery and laryngology makes her particularly well qualified to manage thyroid conditions affecting the voice, swallowing, and airway. As a result, she is frequently sought out by singers, professional voice users, and patients with complex thyroid and neck conditions from across Australia and internationally.

Conditions Treated

Thyroid Nodules

A thyroid nodule is a lump or abnormal growth in the thyroid gland. Most nodules are benign, while others may contain atypical or malignant cells. Nodules that reach a certain size or have a concerning appearance often need a targeted biopsy to rule out cancer.
Many nodules do not require treatment. When they grow or cause symptoms, intervention may be recommended. Options include surgery and ablation (either radiofrequency or ethanol depending on the nodule characteristics), which are non-surgical office- based treatments that shrinks nodules while preserving healthy thyroid tissue. Dr. Sinclair offers both approaches and will help determine which option is best for each individual patient.

Thyroid Cancer

For confirmed cancers, Dr. Sinclair provides surgical care if the cancer is larger than 1-1.5cm, or radiofrequency ablation for selected small papillary thyroid microcarcinomas. Ablation can be a good option for microcarcinomas provided the patient has been extensively counselled about ablation risks and benefits and agrees to return for follow up examinations.

Multinodular Goitre

A goitre is a term referring to an enlarged thyroid gland. Goitres often contain several nodules and are then referred to as ‘multinodular goitres’ Goitres can cause neck swelling, pressure, breathing or swallowing difficultiesy, or cosmetic concerns. Dr. Sinclair assesses each goitre carefully and recommends treatment based on symptoms, anatomy, and patient goals. Options may include surveillance, ablation, or surgery.

Thyroid Hormone Disorders

  • Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not make enough hormone and may be linked to autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Patients with Hashimoto’s often develop thyroid nodules.
  • Hyperthyroidism occurs when too much thyroid hormone is produced. Causes include Grave’s disease, inflammation, or an overactive thyroid nodule. When an overactive nodule is responsible, radiofrequency ablation can cure the hormonal excess and shrink the nodule.

Complex or Borderline Cases

Some patients require more specialised care. Dr. Sinclair’s dual training allows her to manage cases that involve voice concerns, nerve risk, airway issues, prior surgery, or unusual anatomy. She provides highly individualised assessments that account for throat, voice, and neck structure as well as thyroid health.

Benefits of Thyroid Nodule Ablation Compared to Surgery

  • Preserves normal thyroid function
  • No general anesthesia
  • No hospital stay
  • No neck scar
  • Quick recovery
  • Low risk of complications
  • Strong long term nodule shrinkage when performed by an experienced specialist
Large nodules may need more than one treatment. This will be discussed during your assessment.

Risks of Ablation

All procedures carry risk, although serious complications from RFA are rare. Possible risks include:
  • Bleeding
  • Temporary hoarseness from nerve irritation
  • Skin burns
  • Infection
Very rare complications include injury to nearby structures such as the windpipe and, food pipe. The risk of permanent vocal cord nerve injury is less than 1 percent.

Pre-Consultation for Thyroid Nodule Ablation

During your initial consultation, Dr. Sinclair will:
  • Take a detailed medical history
  • Assess whether your symptoms are linked to the nodule
  • Perform a full clinical examination
  • Complete a detailed ultrasound examination to evaluate the nodule and nearby anatomy
  • Examine your voice box to assess nerve function
  • Discuss benefits, limitations, and risks of ablation
  • Outline any additional tests needed before treatment

Who can perform thyroid ablation

Thyroid ablation is a highly specialised procedure that should be performed within the context of a multidisciplinary thyroid team. While the technical aspects of ablation may be undertaken by physicians from different specialties, including radiologists and interventional radiologists, optimal patient outcomes depend on careful patient selection, comprehensive counselling regarding alternatives and expected outcomes, and structured long-term follow-up. Thyroid disorders are often nuanced, with management decisions influenced by factors such as nodule characteristics, thyroid function, malignancy risk, patient symptoms, cosmetic concerns, and evolving clinical findings over time. As such, international thyroid ablation guidelines consistently emphasise the importance of multidisciplinary assessment and ongoing involvement of clinicians experienced in the day-to-day management of thyroid disease.
As thyroid ablation becomes increasingly available in Australia, there have been instances of patients being directly referred from general practitioners to proceduralists. Direct GP referral may be entirely appropriate when the proceduralist is also an experienced thyroidologist—such as an endocrinologist or thyroid surgeon—who is actively involved in the longitudinal management of thyroid disease and can provide comprehensive assessment, counselling, treatment, and follow-up. By contrast, where the proceduralist is not routinely involved in the broader management of thyroid disorders, bypassing multidisciplinary thyroid evaluation may increase the risk of suboptimal patient selection, incomplete counselling regarding alternative treatment options, and inadequate long-term surveillance.
Importantly, thyroid ablation should be viewed not merely as a technical procedure, but as one component of a broader continuum of thyroid care. An instructive comparison can be made with other organ systems: patients undergoing cardiac ablation are managed within a cardiology framework, and patients undergoing gastrointestinal ablation are managed within a gastroenterology or hepatology framework, even when the procedural aspects may be performed by a subspecialist proceduralist. Similarly, patients undergoing thyroid ablation should remain under the care of clinicians with expertise in thyroid disease, ensuring that procedural decision-making, peri-procedural management, and long-term follow-up are integrated within a comprehensive thyroid care pathway. For these reasons, thyroid ablation should be embedded within a multidisciplinary thyroid care pathway rather than delivered as an isolated procedural service and, as endorsed by international ablation guidelines, management of patients undergoing thyroid ablation should by supervised by experienced thyroidologists who can provide longitudinal oversight before and after treatment, ensuring safe, evidence-based, and patient-centred care.

Procedure Details

Location

Procedures take place in Dr. Sinclair’s Melbourne or Sydney office.

Duration

Most ablations take 30 to 90 minutes depending on the size of the nodule.

Preparation

A preparation guide will be provided. Most medications can be continued except for blood thinners, which may need to be paused.

During the Procedure

Your neck is cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia. Two grounding pads are placed on your thighs. Using ultrasound guidance, Dr. Sinclair places a thin electrode into the nodule and applies controlled energy. You will be awake, able to speak, and may be asked to count so your voice can be monitored in real time.

After the Procedure

You will be observed for 15 to 30 minutes before going home. Most daily activities can resume the same day, apart from heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for five days.

Effectiveness of Thyroid RFA

Shrinkage begins in the first few weeks and continues over several months. Typical reduction is:
  • 40 to 70 percent at 3 to 6 months
  • 70 to 90 percent by one year
Very large nodules may need more than one session. Follow up recommendations will be discussed during your consultation.

Surgery After Ablation

Surgery remains possible if needed. Although scar tissue may increase, experienced surgeons can operate safely and recovery is usually the same as standard thyroid surgery.

Advanced Intraoperative Neuromonitoring

Some patients require surgery for their thyroid disease. For these cases, Dr. Sinclair uses intraoperative neuromonitoring to help protect nerve function. This includes monitoring the laryngeal nerves during thyroid and parathyroid surgery and the facial nerve during salivary gland procedures.
Dr. Sinclair developed a continuous monitoring technique for the laryngeal nerves in 2016 that is now used internationally to support safer surgery and preserve voice quality.

Request a Specialist Thyroid Assessment

If you have been diagnosed with a thyroid nodule, goitre, or thyroid hormone disorder, a specialist assessment can help determine whether treatment is required and which options may be suitable. Dr. Catherine Sinclair provides comprehensive evaluation using high-resolution ultrasound, targeted biopsy when indicated, and clear discussion of surveillance, ablation, and surgical care.
Her practice focuses on safe, evidence-based management that considers thyroid function, anatomy, voice, and long-term outcomes. Patients across Australia are supported through a structured approach to assessment, treatment planning, and follow-up.
To find out more or to arrange an appointment, contact the clinic directly.
Get a Consultation: 1300 370 664

What My Patients Say

She saved my life by performing thyroid surgery. i will always be thankful for it. she is always smiling and giving you positive energy. she is great.
Carlos B.
She is just a terrific person, very warm an understanding. She actually listened and presented hypothesis about my ailments that no other physician had before.
Jon M.
Very nice, very professional. She is not only an ENT but also an endocrinologist, did my thyroid sonogram right away. Very happy to meet her.
Victoria H.
I have been her patient for several years. She is always warm, attentive, and informative. She listens, doesn’t ignore my questions or concerns, and makes what is an uncomfortable doctor visit (the examination) as pleasant as possible. That is true of everyone I have met at that practice.
Judy-lynne P.
I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Sinclair. I did not feel rushed as has been my experience with other physicians. She took the time to thoroughly review my history and condition. She was attentive, engaging, understanding and very knowledgeable. I'm so happy I found her.
Rosanna C.
Dr. Sinclair is extremely knowledgeable provider with excellent bedside manners. She took her time to answer all of my questions and did all the necessary tests (including ultrasound and biopsy) during my appointment saving me a lot of time.
Natalia I.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is thyroid ablation painful?

Most patients experience only mild discomfort during the procedure because local anesthesia numbs the area around the thyroid. You may feel slight pressure or warmth from the electrode, and aches in the ear or jaw, but significant pain is generally minimal. Dr. Sinclair monitors comfort throughout the procedure and can provide additional local anesthesia if needed, ensuring a safe and well-tolerated experience.

How soon can I return to normal activities?

Most patients return to their usual daily activities the same day or the next morning. You should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or any activity that puts strain on the neck for about five days. Mild swelling or tenderness at the treatment site may occur for a short period, but most routine tasks, including desk work and light walking, can be resumed immediately.

Will I need thyroid medication afterward?

Following ablation, thyroid function remains normal because the procedure preserves healthy thyroid tissue and only targets specific nodules. As such, patients are extremely unlikely to require lifelong hormone replacement following ablation, in contrast to partial thyroid surgery where there is a 30-40% chance of needing lifelong hormone postoperatively

Can ablation treat thyroid cancer?

RFA can be an option for selected small papillary thyroid microcarcinomas that are low risk. Patients must meet specific eligibility criteria, including tumor size, location and absence of lymph node involvement. For suitable cases, RFA offers a non- surgical treatment with focused energy delivered directly to the nodule, while preserving healthy thyroid tissue. Ongoing monitoring with ultrasound is required for follow up.

What if my nodule is very large?

Large nodules may require more than one treatment to achieve optimal shrinkage. Dr. Sinclair carefully evaluates the nodule’s size, shape, and response to ablation during follow up to determine whether additional sessions are necessary. Most patients achieve significant reduction with a single treatment, but planning for staged treatment ensures the best long-term results. Very large nodules may also have a higher cancer rate and Dr Sinclair will discuss the risks and benefits of ablation versus surgery for large nodules with you in detail so that you can make an informed treatment decision.

How do I know if my nodule is suitable for ablation?

Suitability depends on your nodule’s size, composition, location, and biopsy results, as well as whether it is causing symptoms. Dr. Sinclair performs a detailed ultrasound assessment to evaluate the nodule and surrounding structures, including nerves and blood vessels, to ensure safe and effective treatment. Only nodules that meet strict criteria are considered suitable for RFA.

How long does nodule shrinkage take?

Shrinkage typically begins after 2 weeks, although complete reduction develops over several months. Most nodules reduce by 40–70 percent within the first 3–6 months and up to 760–90 percent after one year. Cystic nodules may shrink faster than solid ones. Very large nodules may take longer to shrink or require multiple ablation sessions, which will be discussed during your initial consultation.

Is surgery still an option later?

Yes. Surgery remains possible if needed, even after ablation. While some scar tissue may form in the treated area, experienced thyroid surgeons can operate safely. In most cases, recovery time and surgical outcomes are similar to standard thyroid surgery, and the decision to operate is made only if clinically indicated.

Contact Us

Please reach out for enquiries and consultations regarding thyroid nodule ablative treatments.
159 wattletree road, malvern
1300 370 664
rfa@melbournethyroidsurgery.com.au