Pilot Study on Laser Ablation of Symptomatic Benign Thyroid Masses

Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically or cytologically documented benign thyroid nodule, or cold thyroid nodule as documented by thyroid scan.
* Patient has been evaluated by endocrinology and endocrine surgery and has been deemed suitable candidate for procedure.
* The patient's nodule(s) size and number must be no larger than 5cm and a maximum of 3 nodules, respectively.
* All nodules must be greater than 1cm from the expected location of the recurrent laryngeal and vagus nerves determined under ultrasound.
* Required initial laboratory values: T3, T4. TSH, and Thyroglobulin (for treated metastatic lymph nodes)
* All patients must understand and sign a study-specific informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Thyroid mass in contact with trachea or esophagus.
* Uncontrolled coagulopathy or bleeding diathesis that cannot be corrected with FFP and platelets prior to procedure. (Platelets must be ≥ 70,000/ul.)
* Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, antiplatelet medications, or warfarin must be discontinued prior to the procedure for a time period that is appropriate given the drug half-life and the drugs known antiplatelet activity (e.g. aspirin for 7 days and ibuprofen 24 hours). Low molecular weight heparin preparations must be discontinued 24 hours prior to procedure.