Ultrasound-guided percutaneous laser ablation for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a retrospective analysis of 37 patients

BACKGROUND: Over the past ten years, more papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) has been diagnosed more frequently due to the development of imaging technology, and the incidence of PTMC has increased significantly. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous laser ablation (PLA) is mainly used for benign thyroid nodules, and few studies have been published on the use of PLA for PTMC. In the present study, a retrospective analysis was performed to explore the efficacy of PLA for PTMC. METHODS: A total of 37 patients with PTMC who underwent PLA were included in this study. Measurement of the lesion volume and serum thyroid hormone levels and clinical evaluation were performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and every 6 months thereafter. RESULTS: We found that all patients were successfully treated with PLA without serious complications. At the last follow-up visit, 12/37 (32.4%) primary lesions had disappeared, and 24/37 (64.9%) remained as cicatricial hyperplasia. One patient (2.7%) had cervical lymph node metastasis at 24 months post-operatively and underwent open surgery. CONCLUSION: Our initial studies suggest that ultrasound-guided PLA is a safe and effective treatment for PTMC.