Radiofrequency ablation of Bethesda category III thyroid nodules with benign molecular testing: Preliminary findings from a single institution. Am J Surg 2025 Mar;241:115929
Date
09/01/2024Pubmed ID
39217057DOI
10.1016/j.amjsurg.2024.115929Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85202767762 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 7 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: The efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treating thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology remains less studied. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of RFA in treating nodules with Bethesda III that have been molecularly profiled benign (BIII-MPN).
METHODS: We included prospectively enrolled patients who underwent RFA for benign and BIII-MPN thyroid nodules. Primary outcome measures were volume reduction ratio (VRR), symptom score (range 0-10), and cosmetic score (range 0-3) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after RFA, as well as complication rates.
RESULTS: A total of 258 nodules in 192 patients were included (benign: 238 in 174; BIII-MPN: 20 in 18). The median VRR differed insignificantly, whereas symptom and cosmetic score improvements were similar between two cohorts. BIII-MPN thyroid nodules were associated with lower rates of infection and temporary voice change.
CONCLUSION: Our preliminary findings suggest that RFA may be a feasible management option for BIII-MPN thyroid nodules. However, appropriate will be important to address the important risk of potentially missed malignancies.
Author List
Ryu YJ, Hsu SY, Kuo EJ, Liou R, McManus CM, Lee JA, Kuo JHAuthor
Catherine McManus MD, MS Associate Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultAged
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Prospective Studies
Thyroid Nodule
Treatment Outcome
