Melanie Goldfarb, MD, Thyroid Surgeon, Performed 250 Successful Radiofrequency Ablation Treatments for Benign Thyroid Nodules

Providence Saint John’s Health Center Achieves Significant Milestone in Thyroid Care

Dr. Melanie Goldfarb - 250 Radiofrequency Ablations for Thyroid Nodules
Dr. Melanie Goldfarb receives award having performed 250 successful radiofrequency ablations for benign thyroid nodules.
As the year comes to a close, we’d like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the wonderful Dr. Melanie Goldfarb, who has just reached a remarkable milestone of completing 250 radiofrequency ablation treatments for benign thyroid nodules in 2024. As a local expert surgical oncologist specializing in thyroid cancer and endocrine disorders, Dr. Goldfarb routinely performs this highly innovative treatment at Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. We are thrilled to share the success of her achievements! Dr. Goldfarb is the Director of the Center for Endocrine Tumors and Disorders.

What is Radiofrequency Ablation for Thyroid Nodules?

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a cutting-edge, outpatient, surgery-free procedure designed to treat benign thyroid nodules. Depending on the size of the nodule, the procedure typically takes just 30 minutes to under an hour. Historically, surgery was the primary treatment for symptomatic and enlarging thyroid nodules. However, RFA offers a minimally invasive alternative by using a small electrode that generates heat in the form of radio waves to destroy thyroid tumor tissue. Over time, the body absorbs the ablated tissue, effectively reducing the size of the nodule.

Patient Benefits and Outcomes

Patients have reported significant benefits from RFA, including:

  • Reduction in Nodule Size: Up to 50 percent to 90 percent reduction in nodule size can be expected.
  • Symptom Relief: Significant improvement in symptoms or cosmesis, such as improved swallowing and reduction in neck bulging.
  • Normalized Thyroid Function: Many patients experience normalized thyroid function post-treatment.

“To be considered for this procedure, there needs to be two biopsy’s that come back negative for thyroid cancer,” says Dr. Goldfarb.

 

Personalized Care at Saint John’s Health Center

The success of this procedure relies heavily on Dr. Goldfarb’s ability to provide personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs. Her expertise in endocrine tumors and disorders, combined with the comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach at her clinic, ensures optimal outcomes for patients with endocrine conditions.

We are proud to have Dr. Goldfarb as part of our care team for benign and malignant conditions. We celebrate her dedication and achievements in advancing patient care through innovative treatments like RFA for thyroid.

 

Learn more about the RFA procedure: Treatment – Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation
Hear from an RFA patient: YouTube – Radiofrequency Ablation Shrinks Golf Ball-sized Thyroid Tumor by 93% Treated by Dr. Melanie Goldfarb

Physician Bio:
Melanie Goldfarb, MD, MSc, FACS, FACE