Objective:
The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) in patients who were unable to undergo the surgery due to severe disease or didn’t want the surgery.
Materials and Methods:
Between 2008 and 2017, pathologically proven 17 PTCs (mean diameter, 1.3 cm; range, 0.3 – 8cm; micropapillary carcinoma, 14) in 11 patients (9 women, 2 men; mean age, 59.4 years; range, 37-86 years) were treated with RFA by one radiologist with 10 year RFA experience. US-guided RFA was performed using a radiofrequency generator and an 18-gauge internally cooled electrode. We evaluated changes in tumor volume and local tumor regrowth or lymph node metastasis on follow-up ultrasonography.
Results:
Among 17 PTCs, 14 underwent single session of RFA and three required two sessions. One patient was lost to follow up after RFA. During follow-up period (mean 27.2 months; range, 2–77 months), there was a significant volume reduction (92.8±1.5%) in 11 PTCs (11/16, 68.7%) and five (5/16, 31.2%) remained as hypoechoic nodules without volume reduction. 7 PTCs (7/16, 43.7%) were completely disappeared. No tumor regrowth were detected in any ablation zones at last follow up. No major complications were found.
Conclusions:
In patient with PTC, RFA may be used as an effective tool for local tumor control, especially for patients who are unable to surgery or who do not want surgery.