Radiofrequency versus Microwave Ablation: What Do the Data Tell Us?

Ultrasound-guided thermal ablation is a safe and efficacious intervention for benign and malignant thyroid diseases. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) are the two most common methods of thermal ablation in clinical practice. Although direct comparisons are limited, a few studies have highlighted differences in outcomes and adverse events related to differences in heat generation between the two modalities. The focus of this review is to present these differences and provide an understanding on how they may impact the patient and nodule selection process.