Radiofrequency ablation of small follicular neoplasms: initial clinical outcomes

AbstractBackground: In thyroid gland, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been applied to both recurrent cancers and benign nodules, although, according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) guidelines, surgery is the first-line treatment for follicular neoplasm. However, it has been argued that follicular neoplasm with lower risk of malignancy can be managed by close follow-up. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of RFA of small follicular neoplasms, examining reductions in volume and related clinical problems, and making observations over long-term follow-up.Methods: We evaluated 10 follicular neoplasms in 10 patients who were treated with RF ablation between 2009 and 2011. A RF generator and an 18-gauge internally cooled electrode were used to perform complete ablation of the whole nodules. Changes in nodules or ablated zones on follow-up ultrasound, and complications during and after RF ablation were evaluated.Results: The mean follow-up ...