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Updated: Jan 1, 2026
Thermal Ablation for the Treatment of Abdominal Tumors
Published on: March 7, 2011
US-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: Efficacy and Safety in a Large
Hyun Kyung Lim1, Se Jin Cho2, Jung Hwan Baek2
1Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) in a large population.
Materials And Methods:
Cases of 152 biopsy-proven PTMCs from 133 patients who had undergone RFA for PTMC between May 2008 and January 2017 were included in this study. All patients were either of high surgical risk or refused to undergo surgery. They were followed up for at least 6 months after initial RFA. Ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography were performed to evaluate the PTMC and the presence of neck metastasis before treatment. RFA was conducted using an internally cooled thyroid-dedicated electrode system. Follow-up US was performed at 1 week, and 2, 6, and 12 months, after the initial RFA, and then at every 6-12 months. We evaluated serial changes of ablated tumors, newly developed cancers, lymph node (LN) or distant metastasis and complications.
Results:
Complete disappearance was found in 91.4% (139/152) of ablated tumors. Among the 13 tumors in patients who did not show complete disappearance, no tumor displayed any regrowth of the residual ablated lesion during the follow-up period. The mean follow-up period was 39 months. During the follow-up period, there were no local recurrence, no LN or distant metastasis, and no newly developed thyroid cancers. No patients were referred to surgery. The overall complication rate was 3% (4/133) of patients, including one voice change. There were no life-threatening complications or procedure-related deaths.
Conclusion:
Our results suggest that RFA is an effective and safe option for treating low-risk PTMC patients who are of high surgical risk or refuse surgery.
Insights
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) effectively treats low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) in patients unsuitable for surgery. This safe procedure showed high tumor disappearance rates with no recurrence or metastasis during follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is a common thyroid cancer.
- Traditional treatment often involves surgery, which carries risks.
- Alternative treatments are sought for high-risk surgical patients or those refusing surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for low-risk PTMC.
- To assess RFA outcomes in a large patient cohort with specific contraindications for surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 133 patients with 152 biopsy-proven PTMCs treated with RFA.
- Patients had high surgical risk or refused surgery.
- Follow-up included serial ultrasonography and computed tomography for at least 6 months.
Main Results:
- Complete tumor disappearance in 91.4% of cases.
- No regrowth of residual lesions observed.
- Zero local recurrence, lymph node metastasis, or distant metastasis.
- Low complication rate (3%), with no life-threatening events.
Conclusions:
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a safe and effective treatment for low-risk PTMC.
- RFA offers a viable alternative for patients who cannot undergo or decline surgery.
