Title: Radio frequency Ablation in the treatment of Micro Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Abstract:

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) of Thyroid Nodules is a minimally invasive treatment with several advantages over conventional surgery. Such advantages include no need for hospitalization or general anesthesia, as it is performed with local anesthesia, associated with light sedation when necessary, with discharge approximately two hours after the procedure. Other advantages are the absence of a scar and fast recovery. Still, without a doubt, the main advantage is the preservation of thyroid function, preventing the patient from using thyroid hormones. Its rapid acceptance by the medical community has expanded its use for early malignant tumors, especially papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. The technique used for treating malignant and benign thyroid nodules has some differences. When ablating benign nodules, we should respect the limits of the nodules respecting the normal tissue around the nodule. However, when we are ablating small thyroid cancer, we need to treat not only the tumor but also the surrounding area as a safety margin, which gives the wrong impression that the nodule grew after the RFA in the control ultrasound. Here we will discuss the indications, follow-up details, results, and perspectives of RFA in treating papillary thyroid microcarcinomas.