As of 05/01/2026 OCC is not accepting or performing Thyroid RFA procedures until further notice.

Why RFA instead of surgery for thyroid treatment?

Radiofrequency ablation treatment is an outpatient minimally invasive ultrasound-guided procedure that can be used to treat a variety of thyroid-related clinical problems. It is the latest innovative technique alternative to thyroid surgery for symptomatic thyroid nodules. It can be performed safely at our center.
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Nonsurgical alternative option

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Outpatient procedure

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A single session

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No postoperative scar

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No down time

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No days off from work

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Save your thyroid function

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Shrink thyroid nodule

image of Dr. Yasmin Elshenawy, MD, FCAP, ECNU

About Dr. Elshenawy

“I am very privileged to be able to perform thyroid RFA procedures in our center. This is a nonsurgical cutting edge minimally invasive procedure for managing your thyroid nodules. Being able to offer this nonsurgical option to my patients is very exciting news for both the patients and the medical profession.

 RFA is an FDA-approved technique and has been proven to improve outcomes for patients with symptomatic benign thyroid nodules /goiter as well as benefiting a subset of patients with low-grade thyroid microcarcinoma ” says Dr. Elshenawy.

About OCC Thyroid Center

OCC was established in 1991 and has provided exceptional health services for thirty years. It is dedicated to fine-needle aspiration biopsy, alcohol ablation, and RFA procedures. Since the physicians are cytopathologists, not only are the biopsies performed at OCC, but the specimen is also interpreted immediately by our cytopathologists.

We have a cumulative experience of more than 50,000 biopsies.  At OCC, services are rendered by three physicians, all of whom are Board Certified by the American Board of Pathology and have added certification in Cytopathology.   Dr. Elshenawy and Dr. Rollins have the College of American Pathologists Certificate for Special Expertise in Ultrasound-Guided FNA. Dr. Elshenawy is ECNU certified and also does diagnostic ultrasound lymph node mappings, alcohol ablation, and RFA procedures.

Better Doctors. Better Care.

At OCC, Services are rendered by three physicians, all of whom are Board Certified by the American Board of Pathology, have added board certification in Cytopathology and have the College of American Pathologists Certificate for Special Expertise in Ultrasound Guided FNA . Diagnostic and Interventional services are provided by ECNU CERTIFIED Physicians
staff doctors of OCC thyroid centers

Why should you have your RFA at OCC?

We are one of a few thyroid centers offering RF ablation treatment in the United States.

We are a pioneering thyroid center providing minimally invasive procedures to treat thyroid nodules.

Most advanced equipment

We have the latest and highest quality medical equipment in our center.

Cost effective

Our procedure cost is less than hospital-based procedures since at our thyroid center there is no added hospital facility fee.  Through efficient office practices, we are also able to keep costs lower. 

Experience

Our center has been established since 1991 and is considered a national leader in thyroid diagnosis and intervention. 

Patient Centered Approach

We understand each patient’s medical condition in depth. We accommodate and strive to provide the best experience for you at our center.

After-Care program

It’s important to us that you get the support you need after performing RFA procedures.

We provide follow-up calls and online sessions to help you achieve the best possible recovery after being discharged from the OCC thyroid center.

Accredited

College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited laboratory.

  • Susan D. Rollins, MD, FCAP, FIAC
  • Yasmin Elshenawy, MD, FCAP, ECNU
  • Sarah S. Kassaby, MD, FCAP, MIAC

Thyroid care for high risk adults

We provide thyroid RFA treatment for high-risk surgical populations and the elderly. We have experienced doctors providing an effective and safe RFA treatment to patients with locally recurrent/residual small thyroid cancers after the initial surgery 

Have questions?

If you are still wondering about the side effects, complications, and cost of RF ablation. Feel free to call (423-283-4734) or send us a message and we’d be happy to help.

We offer substantial radiofrequency ablation treatment of various benign thyroid nodules, metastatic lymph nodes, and parathyroid patients including:

Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules can be detected in more than 50% of the population; fortunately, approximately 95% are benign. 

Thyroid Cancer

Cancer on the thyroid gland which is shaped like a small butterfly may not cause any signs or symptoms early in disease processes, yet in case of progression, a nodule can be felt through the skin on the neck.

Parathyroid Nodules or Cysts

In the United States, about 100,000 people develop primary hyperparathyroidism disease each year.

Goiter's disease

A goiter is the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, and is a common disorder of the thyroid gland. 

Graves’ disease

Graves’  disease is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system attacks your thyroid gland.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

In cases of Hashimoto’s disease, your body forms self-attacking antibodies (Confused Antibodies) that destroy portions of the thyroid gland.

Metastatic Lymph Nodes

Papillary thyroid cancer with metastatic spread to lymph nodes does not necessarily mean that there is a higher mortality rate. 

Patient Testimonials

The Outpatient Cytopathology Center regularly receives letters of thanks from former patients or their family members for the high level of care we provide throughout our facility. Below are just a few examples of the nice messages we have received.

Christie Figueroa

I had PEI done for my thyroglossal duct cyst here with Dr. Elshenawy. Dr. Elshenawy was very caring and made me feel very comfortable. I was very nervous and she made feel so ease since the very moment I got there. I travel from NJ here because theres no Doctors around NY,NJ that treats thyroglossal…

Sandy Gullion

Very kind and understanding Group of people. Dr. Elshenawy put me at ease as soon as she walked into the room. I go the extra distance because it is so hard to find a group of people like this.

Mrs. Mary York

I have been here back in 2011 when I was first diagnosed with papillary carcinoma ( thyroid cancer. I had very nice staff that helped me out. I was in remission and it came back so the two years I’ve been going they have been nothing but nice to me. Mrs Elshenway is the best…

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Our clinic

OCC is one of the first independent FNA practices established in the United States.
At our thyroid center, we perform over 2,700 ultrasound interventional procedures each year. Patients arrive at OCC from all over northeast Tennessee and Nationwide.

Address

2400 Susannah St,
Johnson City, TN 37601

Phone

423-283-4734