Comparative Outcomes of Microwave Ablation Versus Surgery for Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma

BACKGROUND Thyroid cancer, particularly papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), is on the rise, with many patients opting for surgery despite evidence supporting active surveillance. This study compares the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation and traditional surgery for treating PTMC. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 patients with single-lesion PTMC treated with ultrasound-guided microwave ablation and 30 patients with single-lesion PTMC treated with conventional surgery. Clinical data and follow-up outcomes were compared between the 2 groups, assessing therapeutic efficacy and complications. RESULTS Patients in the surgery group were more likely to experience postoperative hypothyroidism (P=0.004) and pain (P=0.007) than were those in the ablation group. In the ablation group, the maximum tumor diameter increased 1 month after the procedure, but significantly decreased at 6 to 12 months after treatment. After 6 months of follow-up, 19 patients (63.33%) in the ablation group had complete tumor disappearance. By the end of the follow-up period, all patients in the ablation group showed tumor shrinkage, with no local recurrence, cervical lymph node metastasis, or distant metastasis observed on re-examination. CONCLUSIONS Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation for the treatment of single-lesion PTMC without cervical lymph node metastasis is associated with outcomes comparable to those of traditional open surgery, with the added benefits of shorter hospital stays and a significantly reduced incidence of postoperative pain and other complications.