Non invasive and percutaneous ablation of nontoxic solid nodules

Thyroid nodules (TNs) are commonly seen in the general population with a prevalence of about 4% by palpation and about 10-41% by ultrasound. Most of the TNs are benign. Surgery and radioiodine therapy have been the mainstay of therapy in compressive TNs. Surgery has its own complications and hence, the quest for a non-invasive modality of treatment remains. Radiofrequency ablation, ethanol ablation and laser ablation are the non-invasive methods of treating a benign TN. Also, microwave ablation and high intensity focused ultrasound have recently been tried in the treatment of TNs. In this review, we will be discussing the above newer and emerging modalities in the non-invasive ablation of non-toxic nodules.