Update on Radiofrequency Ablation for Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), defined as papillary thyroid carcinoma measuring 1 cm or less in greatest dimension, generally carries an excellent prognosis. However, the optimal management strategy remains a subject of clinical debate. Standard surgical treatment, typically thyroid lobectomy, carries risks of permanent hypothyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, while active surveillance is associated with psychological burden and higher progression rates in certain patient populations. Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as a promising minimally invasive alternative that addresses these limitations. This review comprehensively evaluates the clinical efficacy and safety of RFA for low-risk PTMC, based on recent meta-analyses, long-term cohort studies, and prospective clinical trials. Current evidence suggests that RFA achieves oncologic outcomes comparable to surgery while preserving thyroid function, minimizing complications, and improving quality of life in carefully selected patients.