Introduction. The thyroid gland is a bilobed endocrine organ connected by a thin isthmus and may also present with a pyramidal lobe. A thyroid nodule is defined as a localized structural alternation of the thyroid tissue. Laser thermal ablation represents a novel minimally invasive intervention, with contemporary guidelines and evidence from randomized trials, observational studies, and multicenter retrospective analyses consistently demonstrating its safety and clinical efficacy in the treatment of symptomatic cold thyroid nodules. Radiofrequency ablation is increasingly employed in the management of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma and offers a valuable alternative for patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma who are not suitable surgical candidates. It is also particularly effective in treating recurrent cystic nodules following ethanol ablation and clinically significant lesions with large residual noncystic components. Microwave ablation is a newer technique that has shown substantial improvements in symptom relief and in cosmetic outcomes while preserving thyroid function; however, it has been associated with a relatively higher rate of procedure-related complications. High-intensity focused ultrasound is with a noninvasive, computer-guided technique that enables precise targeting while preserving surrounding thyroid tissue. Owing to its lower overall efficacy, higher cost, and limited scientific validation, interventionist use should be restricted to carefully selected patients who are not eligible for other treatment options. For benign thyroid nodules with a significant cystic component, particularly recurrent or symptomatic lesions, current guidelines recommend percutaneous ethanol injection as the preferred treatment. Conclusion. Whereas surgical intervention was historically the standard approach for thyroid nodules, advances in minimally invasive techniques now provide effective, thyroid-preserving alternatives for appropriately selected patients.
Pejin et al. (2025) studied this question.