Tumor treatment without scars

Sweety Akter, 46, came with muscle cramps and tingling in her hands—symptoms that had gradually worsened over time.

A scar on her neck told a deeper story: total thyroid surgery two years ago to remove a nodule.

Since then, her life had changed—reliant on calcium injections, daily tablets, and a lifelong hormone pill. Her voice, too, was altered.

As I checked her further, simple tests showed signs of low calcium in her body.

She was suffering from hypocalcemic tetany, a condition caused when delicate parathyroid glands are accidentally removed or damaged during thyroid surgery.

Sadly, Sweety's case is not rare.

Many patients walk in with scars, weak voices, and dependency on medication—all outcomes of invasive surgery that could have been avoided.

Now, there's a better way—Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA).

This modern, non-surgical technique treats thyroid nodules without cutting open the neck.

RFA uses heat energy through a thin needle to destroy only the part of the thyroid that has the problem.

It is done under ultrasound guidance to ensure accuracy.

The healthy part of the thyroid is left untouched, and the whole procedure takes just 30 to 40 minutes.

Patients can go home the same day without needing admission, stitches, or general anesthesia.

Unlike traditional surgery, RFA leaves no visible scar, causes minimal pain, and greatly reduces the need for lifelong medication or calcium.

Recovery is quick, and the cost is also lower than traditional surgery.

In many cases, nodules shrink by up to 93 percent, and hormone levels return to normal in over 80 percent of patients with hormone-producing nodules.

This method is especially effective in Asian populations like ours.

With RFA now available in Bangladesh, it offers a timely, life-changing solution in a country where thyroid problems are widespread.

Sweety's story is a reminder that early awareness and informed choices can prevent a lifetime of suffering.

With RFA, patients can finally say goodbye to scars, pills, and pain—and embrace a safer future in thyroid care.

I am proud to bring this breakthrough home.

Dr Md Kamrul Azad is a specialist in Endocrinology and Thyroid Interventions, consultant and head of the endocrinology department at SharkariKarmachari Hospital