Radiofrequency Ablation of Low-Risk Primary Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in a Clinic Setting.

Abstract

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive alternative to thyroidectomy for select thyroid pathologies. Although international data support its safety and efficacy for small papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), U.S. data is limited. This study evaluates outpatient RFA outcomes for biopsy-confirmed low-risk PTC performed in a clinic setting with local anesthesia only. A retrospective review was conducted of adults who underwent outpatient RFA for PTC between September 2021 and February 2025. Nodules were confined to the thyroid gland without nodal or distant metastasis. Nodule volume reduction rate (VRR), thyroid function, delivered energy, and complications were analyzed. Seventeen RFA procedures were performed on 15 nodules. Baseline median volume and maximum diameter were 0.41 mL and 1.10 cm, respectively, and average VRR reached 85.3% at 12 months. Two transient complications occurred, and thyroid function remained stable. Clinic-performed RFA for small, low-risk PTC is safe, effective, and preserves thyroid function.