Radiofrequency Ablation in the Neck for Thyroid Diseases: the Surgical Perspective

Purpose This report reviews the current data regarding the advantages of radiofrequency ablation for treating recurrent well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Recent Findings The literature favors early ablation of small recurrent lesions, providing the best results while offering decreased incidence of complications when compared to repeated surgical procedures. Nonetheless, recent studies have demonstrated promising results in larger advanced recurrent nodules extending to the neck or with tracheal invasion. Minimally invasive thermal ablation is carving out its role in the treatment of well-differentiated thyroid cancer. As new literature is available, centers train skilled physicians and long follow-up is obtained. Thermal ablation will become a valuable option in the management of recurrent tumors, due to its minimally invasive and localized characteristics.