Thermal Ablation for Malignant Thyroid Nodules: A Patient's Guide to Modern, Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Table of Contents

• Key Points
• Introduction: Understanding Thyroid Nodules and Cancer
• What Is Thermal Ablation?
• Current Guidelines: Who Can Receive Thermal Ablation?
• Treating Recurrent Thyroid Cancer with Thermal Ablation
• Treating Primary Thyroid Cancer: Unifocal Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma
• Expanding the Use: Larger Tumors (PTC Greater Than 10 mm)
• Multifocal Papillary Thyroid Cancer
• Follicular Thyroid Neoplasms: A Challenging Area
• Clinical Implications: What This Means for Patients
• Limitations of Current Research
• Recommendations for Patients
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Source Information

Key Points

• Thermal ablation uses heat to destroy cancer cells, with radiofrequency, laser, and microwave techniques.
• Guidelines support thermal ablation for recurrent thyroid cancer and low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.
• For unifocal microcarcinoma, complete tumor disappearance rates reach 88–100% at 39–60 months.
• Thermal ablation typically preserves thyroid function; surgery often requires lifelong hormone replacement.
• Most side effects are temporary pain, voice changes, or minor bleeding; serious complications are rare.

Introduction: Understanding Thyroid Nodules and Cancer

Thyroid nodules are extremely common. Ultrasound imaging detects them in 50–65% of the general population, yet only about 5% of these nodules are actually malignant (cancerous). Among malignant thyroid nodules, papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is by far the most common type, followed by follicular thyroid cancer (FTC), medullary thyroid cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer, and other rarer forms.

For decades, surgery has been the standard treatment for thyroid cancer that has not spread to distant organs. However, surgery comes with a significant consequence: because thyroidectomy (complete removal of the thyroid gland) or hemithyroidectomy (removal of one lobe) removes thyroid tissue, many patients develop hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) after the operation. This means they may need to take thyroid hormone replacement medications—potentially for the rest of their lives.

The impact of surgery on quality of life has driven researchers and clinicians to explore less invasive options. As one study noted, surgical intervention for malignant thyroid nodules "may significantly affect the quality of life." This is where thermal ablation enters the picture.

What Is Thermal Ablation?

Thermal ablation (TA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to destroy cancerous tissue. Under ultrasound guidance (real-time imaging), a thin needle or electrode is inserted directly into the thyroid nodule. The needle tip is then heated to temperatures high enough to kill cancer cells, while leaving surrounding healthy tissue largely unharmed.

There are three main thermal ablation techniques used for thyroid nodules:

• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) — uses electrical currents to generate heat; the most widely researched and reported technique
• Laser ablation (LA) — uses laser energy to heat and destroy tissue; particularly precise for small nodules
• Microwave ablation (MWA) — uses microwave energy to generate heat; creates larger and more uniform ablation zones in a single session

The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, requires only a small needle puncture (no surgical incision), involves minimal bleeding, and allows patients to return home the same day. Recovery times are dramatically shorter than after surgery.

Current Guidelines: Who Can Receive Thermal Ablation?

Several major medical organizations have issued guidelines on the use of thermal ablation for malignant thyroid nodules. These include the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR), the Thyroid Tumor Ablation Experts Group of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association (CMDA), the European Thyroid Association (ETA), and the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE), among others.

The table below summarizes the current consensus on who is eligible for thermal ablation:

Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR), 2018:

• Recurrent thyroid cancers at the thyroidectomy bed and cervical lymph nodes, for patients at high surgical risk or who refuse surgery
• Recommendation against TA for advanced thyroid cancers and for primary thyroid cancer patients who refuse or cannot undergo surgery

Chinese Medical Doctor Association (CMDA), 2020:

• Metastatic cervical lymph nodes after surgical dissection, with specific criteria (recurrence after radical treatment, imaging-confirmed metastasis, inability or refusal to undergo surgery, ineffective iodine-131 treatment, and safe distance from vital nerves and blood vessels)
• Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) meeting strict criteria: non-aggressive subtype; tumor diameter ≤5 mm (or ≤1 cm if not near the thyroid capsule, with distance from the posterior medial capsule >2 mm); no invasion of the thyroid capsule; not located in the isthmus; no multifocal cancer; no family history of thyroid cancer; no childhood cervical radiation exposure; no lymph node or distant metastasis; and full informed consent to decline surgery

European Thyroid Association & CIRSE (ETA&CIRSE), 2021:

• Neck lymph-node recurrences of differentiated thyroid carcinoma
• PTMC without aggressive subtypes, extrathyroidal growth, multiple foci, lymph node/distant metastasis, or worrisome molecular markers (such as TERT promoter or TP53 mutations)
• Follicular thyroid lesions in patients at surgical risk with favorable ultrasound features and negative molecular testing
• Unresectable thyroid cancer, progressive radioactive iodine-refractory cervical recurrences, and distant metastases

International Joint Team (AHNS, APTS, AME, BAETS, ETA, UEC, KSThR, LATS, TNT), 2022:

• Ultrasound-guided ablation may be considered in patients with recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma who are unfit for surgery, decline surgery, or decline active surveillance
• Lesions must be limited (≤3 per patient), confined to the neck, with maximum tumor diameter below 1.5–2 cm
• PTMC: unifocal, confined to the thyroid gland, no extrathyroidal extension or capsular contact, cytologically confirmed non-aggressive papillary thyroid cancer, no metastatic lymphadenopathy, and patient ineligible for or declining surgery

European Thyroid Association (ETA), 2023:

• Minimally invasive treatments may be considered for Bethesda V and VI nodules (suspicious or malignant on biopsy) measuring 5–10 mm, in the absence of suspicious lymph nodes or risk of extra-thyroidal extension

In short, the guidelines consistently support TA for recurrent thyroid cancer and low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, with some extending consideration to carefully selected larger or more complex cases.

Treating Recurrent Thyroid Cancer with Thermal Ablation

When thyroid cancer comes back after initial surgery, the standard recommendation is another surgery. But repeat operations are challenging. Scar tissue, fibrosis, and distorted anatomy from the first surgery can make a second operation risky and technically difficult. For patients who are not suitable for or do not want another surgery—or who prefer not to simply "watch and wait"—thermal ablation offers a valuable alternative.

Early evidence for RFA: Several early retrospective and prospective studies of patients with recurrent thyroid cancer treated with radiofrequency ablation demonstrated symptom relief over short-term follow-up periods ranging from 6 to 40 months. These studies confirmed that RFA is a viable option when surgical risks are prohibitive.

Growing evidence across techniques: Further studies investigated RFA, microwave ablation, and laser ablation in small groups of patients with recurrent thyroid cancer. With follow-up periods averaging less than 26 months, the results showed:

• Volume reduction rates (VRR) — the percentage by which the tumor shrank — between 91% and 98%
• Complete disappearance rates at the final follow-up ranging from 30% to 82%
• No regrowth of treated nodules, no distant metastases, and no severe or permanent complications

Long-term results: A long-term study tracking 29 patients over periods of up to 80 months reported an average volume reduction rate of 99.5% and a complete disappearance rate of 91.3%. Importantly, there were no delayed RFA-related complications during the follow-up period.

Expanding the size limits: Researchers have also tested whether larger recurrent nodules can be treated. One study extended the size limit to 1.5 cm and found results comparable to radioactive iodine therapy. Another study expanded the limit to 2 cm, showing that the 1-year and 3-year recurrence-free survival rates and complication rates in the thermal ablation group were similar to those in the surgery group.

Challenging locations: Even recurrent nodules invading the trachea (windpipe) have been treated with TA. A study focusing on this difficult scenario discovered a negative correlation between the angle of the nodule relative to the trachea and treatment efficacy—meaning that anatomical position affects outcomes. A comprehensive study of 119 patients with 172 recurrent nodules found an average volume reduction rate of 81% and a complete disappearance rate of 72% over approximately 48 months. The researchers concluded that TA is feasible even for recurrent tumors invading the airway.

Complication rates: Reports on complications vary considerably. One study involving 129 recurrent thyroid cancer cases reported a complication rate of 5%—notably higher than the 0.9% rate seen for benign nodules. Other research documented complication rates up to 21%. However, a substantial international study encompassing 321 patients with 498 recurrent lymph nodes found a low complication rate of just 4%.

Treating Primary Thyroid Cancer: Unifocal Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is defined as papillary thyroid cancer measuring 10 mm (1 cm) or less in diameter. Because these tumors are small and often slow-growing, some patients may be candidates for "active surveillance" (monitoring without immediate treatment) instead of surgery. Thermal ablation has emerged as a middle-ground option: it treats the cancer directly while avoiding the lifelong consequences of surgery.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

RFA is the most widely reported technique for unifocal PTMC and has been studied in many large patient groups. It generates a wider single ablation area, making it well-suited for tumors surrounded by enough healthy tissue.

• A study of 95 patients with unifocal PTMC found that tumor volume did not begin shrinking until the third month after RFA; by the sixth month, reduction was underway, and the volume reduction rate reached 99% by the 18th month.
• Another study of 198 cases reported a 91% volume reduction rate after 6 months of RFA.
• Larger studies with 39–60 months of follow-up reported complete disappearance rates of tumors within the range of 88%–100%.

Recurrence and lymph node spread: Two key indicators for long-term prognosis are recurrent PTMC and lymph node metastasis (LNM). A study of 414 cases reported a local recurrence rate of 2.42% and a lymph node metastasis rate of 0.97%—both very low. However, another study of 142 cases reported a considerably higher lymph node metastasis rate of 13.4%, and in some patients, tumors were not fully inactivated after RFA, with metastases observed in the central compartment lymph nodes. This variation highlights the importance of careful patient selection.

Side effects: The majority of adverse events after RFA are short-term discomforts such as pain, temporary voice changes, minor bleeding, and thyroid function alterations, occurring in less than 3% of patients. Most symptoms resolve spontaneously within hours to a month, requiring no additional treatment. The risk of thermal damage to nearby structures—blood vessels, nerves, and airways—can be further reduced using water separation techniques (injecting fluid to create a protective barrier around the tumor).

Laser Ablation (LA)

Laser ablation delivers energy very precisely, making it especially effective for small-diameter tumors while minimizing harm to surrounding tissue.

• A study of 90 patients followed for up to 112 months found that all lesions vanished or transformed into scars within 10 months, with complete disappearance by the 12th month.
• Another study with an average of 65 months of follow-up reported a complete disappearance rate of 82%, a volume reduction rate of 96% at 36 months, and 100% at 4 years.
• Both studies indicated that 18–67% of cases displayed scar-like changes in the ablated area.

Recurrence and metastasis rates after LA are relatively low: within 5.5% for recurrence and 2.7% for lymph node metastasis. Some researchers suggest that some cases of post-LA cervical lymph node metastasis may have actually been occult (hidden) metastases present before treatment—meaning they were discovered after ablation rather than caused by it.

Pain is the most common side effect after LA, experienced by 81.9%–100% of patients, though the majority of cases were transient. In approximately 25% of patients, pain and neck discomfort persisted after the procedure, but all cases resolved spontaneously within 1–2 weeks. Temporary thyroid function abnormalities could occur due to excessive ablation or a large ablation area, but these typically resolved without medication within 6 months after LA.

Microwave Ablation (MWA)

Microwave ablation generates more energy in a single treatment session compared to both RFA and LA, resulting in a larger and more homogeneous ablation zone.

• A study of 63 unifocal PTMC patients with a follow-up period of 24 months identified a volume reduction rate of up to 100% at the final follow-up, with no recurrences or metastases.
• A large single-center retrospective study of 404 cases found that while the volume reduction rate did not decrease in the initial 3 months, it reached 99% by the final follow-up.
• A long-term study with 60 months of follow-up found that all nodules were completely ablated, the volume reduction rate was 99%, and no permanent complications were observed over 5 years. Only a very small proportion of patients experienced temporary hoarseness, which resolved within a few months.
• No recurrences, metastatic cervical lymph nodes, or distant metastases were observed, aligning with the short-term study results.

Side effects: The primary discomfort with MWA is mild to moderate pain due to the high temperatures used during the procedure. Approximately 1.9–5.4% of patients may experience temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (which affects the voice) due to compression from swollen tissues or heat transfer. However, all cases resolved spontaneously within 2–3 months after MWA.

A major advantage over surgery: In contrast to patients undergoing thyroid lobectomy for PTMC, patients treated with MWA do not face the risk of postoperative thyroid dysfunction. In one surgical group, 29.9% of patients required lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy after surgery. A retrospective study that included 92 PTMC patients in a 1:1 ratio (half MWA, half surgery) with a 42-month follow-up found that the MWA group had lower average length of hospital stay, lower cost, less blood loss, smaller surgical incisions, shorter operating room time, and fewer complications compared to the surgery group.

Comparing the Three Techniques

In conclusion, RFA, LA, and MWA have all been extensively researched and confirmed as safe and effective methods for treating unifocal PTMC. The three techniques demonstrate relatively low rates of adverse events, which are generally consistent and primarily include varying degrees of pain, bleeding, and transient hoarseness. There have been scarce reports of irreversible hoarseness. For cases with larger ablation areas, some degree of thyroid function impairment is possible, though this is uncommon given the small size of the lesions.

Perhaps most importantly for patients: TA has a lesser impact on thyroid function, whereas surgery may necessitate lifelong medication. Considering that the efficacy and safety of TA are comparable to surgery, thermal ablation may hold distinct advantages in terms of treatment time, medical cost, and patient quality of life.

Expanding the Use: Larger Tumors (PTC Greater Than 10 mm)

Given the favorable results in unifocal microcarcinomas, researchers have investigated whether thermal ablation can also work for larger papillary thyroid cancers—those larger than 10 mm in diameter.

Evidence for T1b tumors (1–2 cm):

• A multicenter study of 172 T1bN0M0 PTC patients (tumors 1–2 cm, no lymph node or distant metastasis) who underwent MWA or RFA found that after an average follow-up of 25 months, 61.6% of tumors had completely disappeared. Only one case showed lymph node metastasis, and two new tumors emerged. The overall complication rate was 5.2%, with all complications resolving within 4 months after ablation.
• A single-center study of 66 patients with T1bN0M0 PTC who underwent RFA and were followed for 21 months found a final volume reduction rate of 99% and a complete disappearance rate of 57.6%. In two cases (3.0%), malignant cells appeared within the ablation zone, and one case (1.5%) exhibited lymph node metastasis.

Comparing T1a and T1b tumors: A study using propensity score matching (a statistical method to make two groups comparable) followed 262 patients (131 with T1bN0M0 cancer) for 25 months after RFA and found no significant differences in local tumor progression rates or outcomes between the two groups.

Another study that included 358 T1N0M0 PTC patients (including 55 with T1bN0M0 PTC) who received RFA and were followed for 76 months found no significant differences in disease progression, lymph node metastasis, recurrent tumors, or 5-year recurrence-free survival rates between the T1aN0M0 and T1bN0M0 groups. This confirms that long-term efficacy did not differ significantly between smaller and larger tumors up to 2 cm.

Even larger tumors (T2, 2–4 cm): Researchers have expanded testing to tumors larger than 2 cm. A study examining 12 T2N0M0 PTC patients treated with RFA and followed for 24 months found a volume reduction rate of 94%, with no local or distant tumor recurrence and no life-threatening or delayed complications. This preliminary result extends the size limit of PTC treatable by RFA to 2 cm, though the authors note that more studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm this conclusion.

Cost comparison: A cost comparison between RFA and surgery for T1bN0M0 PTC was conducted among 283 unifocal T1bN0M0 PTC cases (91 in the RFA group) with an average follow-up of 50 months. The results found:

• No significant differences in local tumor progression, lymph node metastasis, recurrent tumors, persistent tumors, or recurrence-free survival rates between the RFA and surgery groups
• No distant metastases in either group
• A lower complication rate in the RFA group
• Shorter hospital stays, shorter operating times, lower blood loss, and lower costs in the RFA group

Multifocal Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Multifocality—the presence of multiple separate cancer foci within the thyroid—has traditionally been considered a risk factor that can affect prognosis. For this reason, early studies of thermal ablation for PTC focused primarily on unifocal tumors. But researchers are now exploring whether TA can work for multifocal disease as well.

A long-term follow-up study involving 47 cases of bilateral PTMC treated with RFA reported encouraging results. After a 48-month follow-up:

• The average volume reduction rate was nearly 100%
• The complete disappearance rate was 92%
• One patient (2.13%) experienced lymph node metastasis
• Two patients (4.26%) had recurrent PTMC
• All recurrent lesions completely disappeared after additional RFA treatment

These findings provide preliminary evidence that RFA can be effective for treating multifocal PTMC, though more research is needed to establish clear guidelines for this expanded use.

Follicular Thyroid Neoplasms: A Challenging Area

Follicular thyroid neoplasms present a unique challenge. Currently, a definitive diagnosis can only be made by pathological examination after surgery. Even with fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA), it is often difficult to distinguish between follicular thyroid adenomas (FTAs, which are benign) and follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs, which are malignant). Both are typically categorized as Bethesda IV on biopsy reports—a category meaning "suspicious for follicular neoplasm."

Because of this diagnostic uncertainty, almost all current TA guidelines do not recommend the use of thermal ablation for follicular thyroid neoplasms. The risk is that a benign-appearing nodule could actually be cancerous, and ablation would not provide the tissue sample needed for a definitive diagnosis.

However, early research is exploring this area. A study involving 31 patients diagnosed as Bethesda IV who underwent RFA or MWA reported promising results. One patient experienced pain after the procedure. While these preliminary findings are encouraging, the authors emphasize that the inability to obtain a definitive tissue diagnosis before ablation remains a major limitation, and careful patient selection is essential. Larger studies are needed before TA can be recommended for this category of thyroid nodules.

Clinical Implications: What This Means for Patients

The accumulated evidence reviewed in this article leads to several important takeaways for patients facing a diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules:

1. A non-surgical option exists. For patients with recurrent thyroid cancer or low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, thermal ablation offers a minimally invasive treatment that can eliminate the tumor without removing the thyroid gland.
2. Thyroid function is often preserved. Unlike surgery, which leads to hypothyroidism in a significant percentage of patients (nearly 30% in one surgical group studied), thermal ablation typically has minimal impact on thyroid function. This means most patients will not need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
3. Recovery is faster and costs are lower. TA procedures are shorter, performed on an outpatient basis in most regions, involve less bleeding, and leave no significant incisions. Studies consistently show shorter hospital stays, lower blood loss, shorter operating times, and lower medical expenses compared to surgery.
4. Long-term effectiveness is comparable to surgery. For appropriately selected patients, the risk of recurrent tumors, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis after TA is similar to—and in some studies, lower than—the risk after surgery. Complete disappearance rates of 88–100% are achieved for unifocal PTMC at 39–60 months of follow-up.
5. Complications are generally minor and temporary. The most common side effects are pain, temporary voice changes, minor bleeding, and short-term thyroid function alterations. These typically resolve within hours to a few months, and irreversible complications are extremely rare.
6. Not all patients are candidates. The guidelines are clear: TA is currently recommended for low-risk cases. Tumors with aggressive features, evidence of lymph node metastasis, or unfavorable locations (such as the isthmus or close to the thyroid capsule) are generally not suitable for TA.

Limitations of Current Research

While the evidence supporting thermal ablation for malignant thyroid nodules is substantial, the authors of this review acknowledge several important limitations:

• Variability in complication rates: Different studies report widely varying complication rates—from 4% to 21%—likely reflecting differences in operator experience, patient selection, and definitions of what counts as a complication.
• Heterogeneous study designs: Studies use different techniques (RFA, LA, MWA), different follow-up durations, and different outcome measures, making direct comparisons difficult.
• Limited data on larger tumors: Evidence for treating tumors larger than 1 cm—particularly T2 tumors (2–4 cm)—comes from small studies with relatively short follow-up. Larger, longer-term studies are needed.
• Uncertainty in multifocal disease: Only one long-term study of bilateral (multifocal) PTMC treated with RFA was identified, involving just 47 patients.
• Follicular neoplasms remain unresolved: The inability to confirm malignancy before ablation without surgery is a fundamental barrier to expanding TA to this category.
• One study reported a higher lymph node metastasis rate (13.4%) than most others (<1% to 2.7%), raising questions about which patients are truly at low risk and underscoring the importance of rigorous pre-treatment evaluation.
• Most studies come from specialized centers with high-volume operators. Whether the results can be replicated in general practice settings is not yet fully established.

Recommendations for Patients

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a malignant thyroid nodule and is considering thermal ablation, here are evidence-based recommendations based on this review:

1. Understand your diagnosis. Ask your doctor whether your cancer is papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (≤1 cm), a larger papillary thyroid cancer, or another type. The evidence for TA is strongest for low-risk PTMC.
2. Get a complete pre-treatment evaluation. Before considering TA, your doctor should exclude high-risk features: aggressive subtypes, lymph node or distant metastasis, multifocal disease (in most guidelines), tumors in the isthmus, or tumors close to the thyroid capsule.
3. Discuss your surgical risk. TA is particularly appropriate if you are at high risk for surgery, have had previous thyroid surgery (recurrent disease), or have medical conditions that make anesthesia or surgery dangerous.
4. Ask about the three techniques. RFA, LA, and MWA all have strong evidence. The choice depends on tumor size, location, and your doctor's expertise. RFA is the most widely studied; LA is very precise; MWA creates larger ablation zones.
5. Ask about expected outcomes. Based on current data, you can expect a volume reduction rate of 90–100% and a high probability of complete tumor disappearance over 1–5 years, with a very low rate of recurrence or lymph node spread.
6. Know the potential side effects. Expect possible short-term pain, mild voice changes, or minor bleeding. These almost always resolve without treatment. Serious or permanent complications are rare.
7. Plan for follow-up. Even after successful ablation, you will need regular ultrasound follow-up to monitor for complete disappearance of the lesion and check for lymph node metastasis, just as you would after surgery.
8. Ask about costs. In studies, TA was consistently less expensive than surgery due to shorter hospital stays, less operating time, and no general anesthesia requirements.
9. Seek a specialized center. Given the variability in complication rates across studies, choose a center with substantial experience in thyroid thermal ablation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is thermal ablation for thyroid cancer?

Thermal ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to destroy cancer cells. Under ultrasound guidance, a thin needle is inserted into the nodule and heated to kill cancerous tissue while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. It is performed as an outpatient procedure with no surgical incision, allowing patients to go home the same day.

Who can receive thermal ablation for malignant thyroid nodules?

Thermal ablation is currently recommended for recurrent thyroid cancer and low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Eligibility requires no aggressive features, no lymph node or distant metastasis, and often unifocal disease. Some guidelines allow larger tumors or multifocal cancer in carefully selected cases. A complete evaluation by your doctor is essential to confirm you meet these criteria.

How does thermal ablation compare with surgery for thyroid cancer?

For appropriately selected patients, thermal ablation shows long-term effectiveness similar to surgery, with comparable rates of recurrence and lymph node spread. Studies report shorter hospital stays, less bleeding, lower costs, and fewer complications compared to surgery. Additionally, thermal ablation usually preserves thyroid function, whereas surgery often requires lifelong thyroid hormone replacement.

What are the possible risks or side effects of thermal ablation?

The most common side effects are temporary pain, mild voice changes, minor bleeding, and short-term thyroid function alterations. These usually resolve within hours to a few months without treatment. Serious or permanent complications are rare. Complication rates vary across studies, from 4% to 21%, depending on patient selection and operator experience.

How long is recovery after thermal ablation?

Recovery is typically much faster than after surgery. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis, involves minimal bleeding, and leaves no significant incision. Most patients can return home the same day and resume normal activities quickly. Studies consistently show shorter hospital stays and operating times compared to surgery.

Does thermal ablation preserve thyroid function?

Yes, thermal ablation generally has minimal impact on thyroid function. Unlike surgery, which often leads to hypothyroidism—nearly 30% in one surgical group required lifelong hormone replacement—thermal ablation typically does not require thyroid hormone therapy. However, larger ablation areas could affect thyroid function, though this is uncommon for small lesions.

What follow-up is needed after thermal ablation?

Even after successful ablation, regular ultrasound follow-up is required to monitor for complete disappearance of the lesion and to check for lymph node metastasis. This is similar to surveillance after surgery. Follow-up schedules vary by center, but typically involve periodic imaging to ensure no recurrence.

Source Information

Original article title: Thermal ablation for the treatment of malignant thyroid nodules present and future

Authors: Yan Hu, Wei Zhou, Shangyan Xu, Wanru Jia, Guiping Zhang, Yuan Cao, Qianru Zhang, Lu Zhang & Weiwei Zhan

Journal: International Journal of Hyperthermia, 2024, Vol. 41, No. 1, Article 2379983

DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2024.2379983

Publication date: Published online July 16, 2024

Affiliations: Department of Ultrasound, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Ultrasound, Ruijin Hospital/Lu Wan Branch, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

Note: This patient-friendly article is based on peer-reviewed research published under a Creative Commons Attribution License. The original open-access article can be accessed at the DOI link above. This summary is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your individual condition and treatment options.