Effects of Microwave Ablation on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Five-Year Follow-Up Report.

Background: Some researchers have achieved favorable efficacy in the treatment of primary papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) using microwave ablation (MWA). However, as PTMC is a slowly progressing disease, a long follow-up period is required to confirm treatment efficacy. Our study aim was to investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided MWA in PTMC. Methods: In this study, 41 patients with thyroid masses (41 nodules) were diagnosed with PTMC by fine-needle aspiration or core needle biopsy. They underwent US-guided MWA. Preablation ultrasonic images of the thyroid nodules were collected, and the volumes were measured. The patients had follow-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months in the first year and every 6 months from the second year on, after MWA. The volume reduction rates (VRRs) of the thyroid nodules were analyzed. Results: In total, 40 of 41 nodules were completely ablated by MWA. After 60 months of follow-up, the volume significantly decreased from a median of 55.78 mm3 (quartile: 21.50, 112.20 mm3) to 0 mm3 (0, 0 mm3) (p < 0.001), with a VRR of 99.37% ± 4.02%. Two patients developed hoarseness after ablation; one recovered within 10 minutes, and the hoarseness in the other patient resolved 2 months after the ablation. No recurrence, metastatic cervical lymph nodes, or distal metastasis was found during the follow-up period. Conclusions: In this five-year follow-up, MWA presented favorable efficacy with satisfactory safety for the treatment of PTMC. It should be considered an alternative therapy to surgery and active surveillance for solitary PTMC.