1
|
Sheremet MI, Lazaruk OV, Shidlovskyi OV, Shidlovskyi VO, Savin VV, Olinik YV, Olinik OY, Lazaruk TY. Outcomes of laser-induced thermotherapy for thyroid nodules at the West Vascular Center, Ukraine. J Med Life 2023; 16:35-41. [PMID: 36873136 PMCID: PMC9979181 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2022-0187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid nodules are common, occurring in 50-60% of healthy patients. Currently, there are no effective conservative treatment options for nodular goiter, and surgery can have limitations and potential complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and long-term results of using sclerotherapy and laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) to treat benign thyroid nodules. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 456 patients with benign nodular goiter who received LITT. The volume of the nodular goiter was measured at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment, and a repeated fine needle aspiration (FNA) with the cytological examination was performed to verify the structure of the nodular goiter in the long term. The results showed that LITT was an effective method for treating nodular mass (nodules), as evidenced by a decrease in the volume of NG by 51-85% after 6-12 months. FNA results 2-3 years after LITT showed no thyrocytes, only connective tissue, indicating the efficacy of LITT for benign thyroid nodules. LITT is highly effective in most cases, often resulting in the disappearance or significant decrease in nodular formations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ivanovich Sheremet
- Department of Surgery No.1, Bukovinian State Medical University, West Vascular Center, Chernivtsi, Ukraine.,West Vascular Center, Chernivtsi, Ukraine
| | - Oleksandr Volodimirovich Lazaruk
- West Vascular Center, Chernivtsi, Ukraine.,Department of Pathologic Anatomy, Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine
| | | | | | | | | | - Oksana Yuriivna Olinik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine
| | - Tetyana Yuriivna Lazaruk
- West Vascular Center, Chernivtsi, Ukraine.,Department of Internal Medicine, Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gambelunghe G, Ristagno S, Stefanetti E, Avenia N, De Feo P. Ultrasound-guided laser ablation of very large benign thyroid nodules: 4-year, retrospective follow-up in 24 patients. Int J Hyperthermia 2022; 39:217-221. [DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2022.2025923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Serenella Ristagno
- Department of Oncology, Section of Endocrine Surgery, Taormina Hospital, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Avenia
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Terni, Terni, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gambelunghe G, Stefanetti E, Avenia N, De Feo P. Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Laser Ablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules: Results of 10-Year Follow-Up in 171 Patients. J Endocr Soc 2021; 5:bvab081. [PMID: 34159286 PMCID: PMC8212682 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Context Percutaneous, ultrasound-guided laser ablation is effective in nodular thyroid disease. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term (10-year) efficacy and safety of laser ablation in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. Methods From 2009 to 2010, 171 patients received a single session of laser ablation. Evaluation of nodule volume was performed before treatment, at 6 months, and every year. Results Technique efficacy was achieved in 92% of patients at 1 year. Median nodule volume significantly decreased from 16.7 mL (range, 11.0-97.0 mL) at baseline to 5.0 mL (range, 4.1-32.0 mL) at 1 year, a volume reduction ratio (VRR) of 68%. The benefit of the treatment was durable (P < 0.001 vs baseline at all timepoints), with a VRR of 59% after 10 years. No cases of nodule regrowth > 50% were observed at 1 year, although such cases did occur after 4 years (n = 3; 1.7% of the overall cohort) and 7 years (n = 8; 4.7%). There were no further cases of regrowth beyond 7 years. When patients were stratified according to baseline nodule volume (< 15 mL, 15-25 mL, or > 25 mL), durable results were observed across all 3 categories, with the largest, most prolonged effect observed in patients with nodules < 15 mL. Treatment was well tolerated, with only minor, transient complications of fever and local pain, and 98% of patients willing to recommend the treatment. Conclusion Percutaneous, ultrasound-guided laser ablation of benign thyroid nodules provides long-term benefits and the treatment is well tolerated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicola Avenia
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Terni, 05100 Terni, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Døssing H, Bennedbæk FN, Hegedüs L. Long-term outcome following laser therapy of benign cystic-solid thyroid nodules. Endocr Connect 2019; 8:846-852. [PMID: 31163398 PMCID: PMC6599214 DOI: 10.1530/ec-19-0236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Laser therapy (LT) is considered a safe and effective procedure for inducing thyroid nodule necrosis, fibrosis and shrinkage. Little is known about long-term efficacy of LT in benign complex thyroid nodules, which we report here. DESIGN AND METHODS One hundred and ten euthyroid outpatients (28 men and 82 women; median age 48 years (range 17-82)) with a recurrent cytologically benign cystic (≥2 mL cyst volume) thyroid nodule causing local discomfort were assigned to LT. LT was performed after complete cyst aspiration and under continuous ultrasound (US) guidance. Nineteen patients (17 within 6 months) had surgery after LT. The median follow-up for the remaining 91 patients was 45 months (range: 12-134). RESULTS The overall median nodule volume in the 110 patients decreased from 9.0 mL (range: 2.0-158.0) to 1.2 mL (range: 0.0-85.0) (P < 0.001) at the final evaluation, corresponding to a median reduction of 85% (range: -49 to 100%). Remission of the cystic part (volume ≤1 mL) was obtained in 82 of 110 (75%) patients after LT. The median cyst volume decreased from 6.3 mL (range: 2.0-158.0) to 0.0 mL (range: 0.0-85.0) (P < 000.1), corresponding to a median reduction of 100% (range: -49 to 100%). These results correlated with a significant decrease in pressure as well as cosmetic complaints. Side effects were restricted to mild local pain. CONCLUSION US-guided aspiration and subsequent LT of benign recurrent cystic thyroid nodules results in a satisfactory long-term clinical response in the majority of patients. LT constitutes a clinically relevant alternative to surgery in such patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helle Døssing
- Department of Oto-rhino-laryngology and Neck Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Correspondence should be addressed to H Døssing:
| | - Finn Noe Bennedbæk
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Effect of perithyroidal lignocaine infusion (PLI) to pain experienced during high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation of benign thyroid nodules. Eur Radiol 2019; 29:5280-5287. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-019-06160-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
6
|
Rahal Junior A, Falsarella PM, Mendes GF, Hidal JT, Andreoni DM, Lúcio JFF, Queiroz MRGD, Garcia RG. Percutaneous laser ablation of benign thyroid nodules: a one year follow-up study. EINSTEIN-SAO PAULO 2018; 16:eAO4279. [PMID: 30517361 PMCID: PMC6276810 DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2018ao4279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate safety and effectiveness of nodule volume reduction and thyroid function after percutaneous laser ablation treatment in patients with benign nonfunctioning thyroid nodules. Methods Prospective single-center study, from January 2011 to October 2012, which evaluated 30 euthyroid and thyroid antibodies negative patients with benign solitary or dominant nodule with indication of treatment due to compressive symptoms and aesthetic disturbances. The clinical and laboratory (thyroid ultrasound, TSH, FT4, TG, TG-Ab, TPO-Ab and TRAb levels) evaluations were performed before the procedure, and periodically 1 week, 3 months and 6 months after. The ablation technique was performed under local anesthesia and sedation. In each treatment, one to three 21G spinal needle were inserted into the thyroid nodule. The laser fiber was positioned through the needle, which was then withdrawn 10mm to leave the tip in direct contact with the nodule tissue. Patients were treated with a ND: Yag-laser output power of 4W and 1,500 to 2,000J per fiber per treatment. The entire procedure was performed under US guidance. Results Thirty patients, with a total of 31 nodules submitted to laser ablation were evaluated. The median volumetric reduction of the nodule was approximately 60% after 12 months. No statistical significance was observed on thyroid function and antibodies levels. There was a peak on the level of thyroglobulin after the procedure due to tissue destruction (p<0.0001). No adverse effects were observed. Conclusion Percutaneous laser ablation is a promising outpatient minimally invasive treatment of benign thyroid nodule.
Collapse
|
7
|
Nixon IJ, Angelos P, Shaha AR, Rinaldo A, Williams MD, Ferlito A. Image-guided chemical and thermal ablations for thyroid disease: Review of efficacy and complications. Head Neck 2018; 40:2103-2115. [PMID: 29684251 DOI: 10.1002/hed.25181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Image-guided ablation of thyroid disease is increasingly being commonly reported. Techniques including ethanol injection and thermal ablation using radio-frequency, laser, and microwave devices have been described. Minimally invasive approaches to the management of benign cystic, solid, and functional thyroid nodules as well as both primary and recurrent thyroid malignancy have been reported. The purpose of this article is to review the current evidence relating to image-guided ablation of thyroid disease with a focus on clinical outcomes and complication rates for patients treated with this minimally invasive approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iain J Nixon
- Ear, Nose, and Throat Department, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Peter Angelos
- Department of Surgery and MacLean Center for Clinical Ethics, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ashok R Shaha
- Head and Neck Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Michelle D Williams
- Department of Pathology, Division of Pathology/Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Alfio Ferlito
- Coordinator of The International Head and Neck Scientific Group
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gambelunghe G, Stefanetti E, Colella R, Monacelli M, Avenia N, De Feo P. A single session of laser ablation for toxic thyroid nodules: three-year follow-up results. Int J Hyperthermia 2018; 34:631-635. [PMID: 29409365 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2018.1437931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To confirm the effectiveness of laser ablation on toxic nodules in a large population with three years of follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between 2009 and 2014, we treated 82 patients with hyperthyroidism related to the presence of a toxic nodular goitre. Patients were pre-treated pharmacologically with methimazole prior to single session of laser ablation (LA) and then followed up every 3 months with FT4 and TSH blood tests as well as ultrasound examination of the nodules treated. RESULTS All patients responded to the treatment. The median nodule volume decreased from 12 ml (range 5-118 ml) to 5 ml (range 1.2-40 ml) after three years (p < 0.001). The percentage of patients who discontinued methimazole therapy was reduced by increasing the initial volume of the toxic nodule. In nodules with a volume less than 5 ml, all patients were able to suspend methimazole; this percentage was reduced to 90.2% in nodules with a volume between 5 and 15 ml, 61.1% in those with volume 15-25 ml and only 28.5% in nodules larger than 25 ml. We had no major complications but only moderate pain and fever in the evening, a few hours after ablation therapy in 10% of treated patients. CONCLUSIONS Single session of LA of toxic thyroid nodules is effective and safe, especially in nodules with a volume under 15 ml.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Gambelunghe
- a Department of Internal Medicine , Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Perugia , Perugia , Italy
| | | | - Renato Colella
- c Institute of Pathological Anatomy , Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Perugia , Perugia , Italy
| | - Massimo Monacelli
- d Department of Endocrine Surgery , Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Perugia , Perugia , Italy
| | - Nicola Avenia
- e Department of Endocrine Surgery , Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Terni , Perugia , Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Papini E, Gugliemi R, Pacella CM. Laser, radiofrequency, and ethanol ablation for the management of thyroid nodules. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2016; 23:400-6. [PMID: 27504993 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The majority of benign thyroid nodules are nearly asymptomatic, remain stable in size, and do not require treatment. However, a minority of patients with growing nodules may complain of local symptoms or have cosmetic concerns, and thus seek surgical consultation. RECENT FINDINGS The timely use of ultrasound-guided minimally invasive procedures can change the natural history of benign enlarging thyroid nodules. The procedures produce persistent shrinkage of thyroid nodules and are associated with improvement of local symptoms. Among the various procedures, percutaneous ethanol injection represents the first-line treatment for relapsing thyroid cysts. In solid nonfunctioning nodules, laser and radiofrequency ablation produces a more than 50% reduction in nodular volume that remains persistent over several years. For hyperfunctioning nodules, thermal ablation techniques are not appropriate unless radioactive iodine is contraindicated or not accessible. SUMMARY MITs are best suited for the management of medium or large-sized nodules that are sonographically well visualized. Conversely, large nodules or nodular goiters that extend into the chest are difficult to treat. MITs are performed in outpatient clinics, are less expensive, and have a lower risk of complications, compared to surgery, and usually do not induce thyroid dysfunction. However, malignancy should be ruled out with a dedicated ultrasound neck assessment and repeat fine needle aspiration of the lesion before treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Papini
- aDepartment of Endocrinology and Metabolism bDepartment of Diagnostic Imaging, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Via San Francesco, Albano, Rome, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gambelunghe G, Bini V, Stefanetti E, Colella R, Monacelli M, Avenia N, De Feo P. Thyroid nodule morphology affects the efficacy of ultrasound-guided interstitial laser ablation: A nested case-control study. Int J Hyperthermia 2014; 30:486-9. [DOI: 10.3109/02656736.2014.963701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
|
11
|
Papini E, Rago T, Gambelunghe G, Valcavi R, Bizzarri G, Vitti P, De Feo P, Riganti F, Misischi I, Di Stasio E, Pacella CM. Long-term efficacy of ultrasound-guided laser ablation for benign solid thyroid nodules. Results of a three-year multicenter prospective randomized trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014; 99:3653-9. [PMID: 25050903 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2014-1826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the present trial on ultrasound (US)-guided laser ablation therapy (LAT) of solid thyroid nodules is to assess long-term clinical efficacy, side effects, and predictability of outcomes in different centers operating with the same procedure. PATIENTS Two hundred consecutive patients were randomly assigned to a single LAT session (group 1, 101 cases) or to follow-up (group 2, 99 cases) at four thyroid referral centers. Entry criteria were: solid thyroid nodule with volume of 6-17 mL, repeat benign cytological findings, normal thyroid function, no autoimmunity, and no thyroid gland treatment. METHODS Group 1: LAT was performed in a single session with two optical fibers, a 1064 nm Nd-YAG laser source, and an output power of 3 W. Volume and local symptom changes were evaluated 1, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after LAT. Side effects and tolerability of treatment were registered. Group 2: Follow-up with no treatment. RESULTS One patient was lost to follow-up in each group. Group 1: Volume decrease after LAT was -49 ± 22%, -59 ± 22%, -60 ± 24%, and -57 ± 25% at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively (P < .001 vs baseline). LAT resulted in a nodule reduction of >50% in 67.3% of cases (P < .001). Local symptoms decreased from 38 to 8% of cases (P = .002) and cosmetic signs from 72 to 16% of cases (P = .001). Baseline size, presence of goiter (P = .55), or US findings (fluid component ≤ 20% [P = .84], halo [P = .46], vascularization [P = .98], and calcifications [P = .06]) were not predictive factors of a volume decrease > 50%. The procedure was well tolerated in most (92%) cases. No changes in thyroid function or autoimmunity were observed. In group 2, nodule volume increased at 36 months (25 ± 42%; P = .04). The efficacy and tolerability of the procedure were similar in different centers. CONCLUSIONS A single LAT treatment of solid nodules results in significant and persistent volume reduction and local symptom improvement, in the absence of thyroid function changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Papini
- Department of Endocrinology (E.P., I.M.), Regina Apostolorum Hospital, 00041 Albano Laziale, Italy; Department of Endocrinology (T.R., P.V.), University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Department of Medicine (G.G., P.D.F.), University of Perugia, Perugia, 06126 Italy; Thyroid Disease Center (R.V., F.R.), Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry (E.D.S.), Catholic University "Sacro Cuore," 00185 Rome, Italy; and Department of Diagnostic Imaging (G.B., C.M.P.), Regina Apostolorum Hospital, 00041 Albano Laziale, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Papini E, Pacella CM, Misischi I, Guglielmi R, Bizzarri G, Døssing H, Hegedus L. The advent of ultrasound-guided ablation techniques in nodular thyroid disease: towards a patient-tailored approach. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014; 28:601-18. [PMID: 25047209 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Surgery is the long-established therapeutic option for benign thyroid nodules, which steadily grow and become symptomatic. The cost of thyroid surgery, the risk of temporary or permanent complications, and the effect on quality of life, however, remain relevant concerns. Therefore, various minimally invasive treatments, directed towards office-based management of symptomatic nodules, without requiring general anaesthesia, and with negligible damage to the skin and cervical tissues, have been proposed during the past two decades. Today, ultrasound-guided percutaneous ethanol injection and thermal ablation with laser or radiofrequency have been thoroughly evaluated, and are accessible procedures in specialized centres. In clinical practice, relapsing thyroid cysts are effectively managed with percutaneous ethanol injection treatment, which should be considered therapy of choice. In solid non-functioning thyroid nodules that grow or become symptomatic, trained operators may safely induce, with a single session of laser ablation treatment or radiofrequency ablation, a 50% volume decrease and, in parallel, improve local symptoms. In contrast, hyperfunctioning nodules remain best treated with radioactive iodine, which results in a better control of hyperthyroidism, also in the long-term, and fewer side-effects. Currently, minimally invasive treatment is also investigated for achieving local control of small size neck recurrences of papillary thyroid carcinoma in patients who are poor candidates for repeat cervical lymph node dissection. This particular use should still be considered experimental.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Papini
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ospedale Regina Apostolorum, Albano, Rome, Italy.
| | - Claudio M Pacella
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Ospedale Regina Apostolorum, Albano, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Misischi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ospedale Regina Apostolorum, Albano, Rome, Italy
| | - Rinaldo Guglielmi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ospedale Regina Apostolorum, Albano, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Bizzarri
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Ospedale Regina Apostolorum, Albano, Rome, Italy
| | - Helle Døssing
- Department of ENT Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Laszlo Hegedus
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Papini E, Pacella CM, Hegedus L. Diagnosis of endocrine disease: thyroid ultrasound (US) and US-assisted procedures: from the shadows into an array of applications. Eur J Endocrinol 2014; 170:R133-46. [PMID: 24459238 DOI: 10.1530/eje-13-0917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In patients with thyroid nodules, ultrasound (US) imaging represents an indispensable tool for assessment of the risk of malignancy. Over approximately four decades, innovative technology and successive improvements have facilitated its entry into the routine management and greatly improved its predictive value. When US features cannot reliably rule out thyroid cancer, US guidance allows a correct and safe sampling also of small or deeply located thyroid lesions. Obtained in this way, cytological or microhistological specimens may reliably define the nature of most thyroid nodules, and the information from histochemical or molecular markers shows promise in the classification of the remaining indeterminate cases. While a prompt surgical treatment can be offered in the minority of suspicious or definitely malignant cases, most individuals warrant only a follow-up. However, at initial evaluation, or over the years, a fraction of these benign lesions may grow and/or become symptomatic. Such cases may benefit from US-guided minimally invasive procedures as an alternative to surgery. Image-guided percutaneous treatments most often achieve relief of neck complaints, are inexpensive, and can be performed on an outpatient basis. The risk of major complications, after adequate training, is very low. Importantly, thyroid function is preserved. Currently, percutaneous ethanol injection for cystic lesions and thermal ablation, with laser or radiofrequency, for solid nodules are increasingly used and disseminated beyond the initial core facilities. In centres with expertise and high patient volume, their use should be considered as first-line treatment alternatives to surgery for selected patients with benign enlarging or symptomatic thyroid lesions.
Collapse
|