Cynthia Gallaschun noticed swelling in her neck that was making one side uneven. During her annual checkup in September 2023, Cynthia discussed it with her primary care provider (PCP), who examined her neck and ordered an ultrasound.
The results showed Cynthia, 64, had two large nodules on her thyroid, each nearly two inches in diameter. One rested over her windpipe and the other was close to her vocal cords. Because of the large size of the nodules, her PCP referred her to an ear, nose, and throat specialist in Johnstown where she lives.
The specialist performed an endoscopy, which found one of the nodules seemed to be pressing on Cynthia’s vocal cords. In November 2023, she underwent a thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy to determine if her nodules were benign or cancerous, as well as bloodwork to test the function of her thyroid gland.
The results showed Cynthia’s thyroid was functioning normally and the biopsy confirmed her nodules were benign, but her doctor recommended she have her thyroid removed because the nodules were so large.
Radiofrequency Ablation: A Less Invasive Alternative
Cynthia had a consultation with a head and neck surgeon but decided to research other options out of concern for potential complications.
“I found a procedure called radiofrequency ablation. They do a lot of them outside of the United States, but it’s newer here,” says Cynthia.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can provide a less invasive option than surgery to treat thyroid nodules. The procedure uses high-frequency radio waves to create heat that destroys the cells of the nodules, thus shrinking them and relieving symptoms.
“I then searched ‘doctor near me who does RFA’ and I found Dr. Morariu,” adds Cynthia.
In July, Cynthia met with Elena Morariu, MD, an endocrinologist at the UPMC Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, at her office in Monroeville. At this point, she was having trouble swallowing.
Dr. Morariu also wanted to check the nodules for cancer, so she performed another biopsy. The results confirmed Cynthia’s nodules were benign and Dr. Morariu recommended she undergo RFA across two sessions.
In October 2024, Cynthia was one of the first patients at UPMC to receive RFA to treat her thyroid nodules. At the Falk Medical Building in Oakland, Dr. Morariu placed a special probe into the thyroid nodule over Cynthia’s trachea that was causing visible swelling of her neck. She then turned on the radiofrequency current.
The procedure took less than an hour, allowing Cynthia to travel back home the same day. Her second treatment, which focused on the larger nodule, was completed in February 2025.
A Quick Recovery
Because an RFA procedure isn't surgery and doesn't involve cutting through tissue, recovery time is short. Most people, like Cynthia, are back to their daily lifestyle in a day or so.
“I only had pain on the first day,” says Cynthia. “They give you a cold pack that really helps.”
After the procedures, Cynthia needed to return for ultrasounds the following month, then three and six months later. Her most recent scan showed the first nodule that was treated was 80% smaller and the second one had decreased by 60%. While the nodules can continue to shrink for up to one year, they are both now small enough to no longer be visible or cause symptoms. Cynthia had additional bloodwork done that confirmed her thyroid is still functioning well.
“The RFAs were a very good experience. Dr. Morariu was kind and caring. She’s a good doctor,” adds Cynthia, who reports she no longer has trouble swallowing and feels good.
She’s pleased there aren’t any scars from the treatment and she’s back to singing in the church choir.
“This was an answer to my prayers,” adds Cynthia. “I would recommend RFA to anyone who’s eligible.”
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After 
Cynthia’s treatment and results may not be representative of other cases.