Short-term Outcome of T1bN0M0 Papillary Thyroid Cancer after Ultrasonography-guided Radiofrequency Ablation

Abstract

Objective To investigate the short-term outcome of T1bN0M0 papillary thyroid cancer after ultrasonography-guided radiofrequency ablation(RFA). Methods Eighty-nine patients with T1bN0M0 papillary thyroid cancer who were treated with ultrasonography-guided RFA in our center from April 2014 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.Trans-isthmus approach and moving shot technique were used during the RFA procedure.Ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography were performed before ablation,and immediately,1,3,6 and 12 months after ablation and then every 6 months thereafter. Results RFA was performed in 89 cases of papillary thyroid cancer,and no major complications were observed during the RFA.The mean follow-up was(18.8±7.3)months.The ablation zones decreased gradually during follow-up,and 38 ablation zones(42.7%)completely disappeared.The volume reduction rate was(99.2±2.3)% 30 months after ablation.During follow-up,2 patients(2.2%)developed tumor recurrence and 1 patient(1.1%)developed cervical lymph node metastasis. Conclusion Ultrasonography-guided RFA may be a safe and effective method for patients with T1bN0M0 papillary thyroid cancer.