Microwave Ablation for Papillary Thyroid Cancer With Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis

Abstract Background: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) for PTC with metastatic cervical lymph nodes who are ineligible for or refuse surgery. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients of unifocal PTC with metastatic cervical lymph nodes from three hospitals were enrolled in this study, and MWAs were performed. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound was used to evaluate the extent of ablation. The volume of the ablated area and thyroid hormones were measured. Results: PTC nodules in 9 patients completely disappeared at the end of follow-up. Compared with the volume before ablation, the mean volume reduction ratio of ablated lesions was 0.414 ± 0.700 (range: -1.92-0.95) at postoperative 6 months. The patients' thyroid function tests were normal at the end of follow-up. New lymph node metastasis was found in one patient during follow-up visits and she underwent a second MWA procedure. For the other patients, no new PTC nodule, local recurrence or cervical lymph node metastasis were suspected on ultrasound by the end of follow-up. No distant metastasis was encountered during the follow up. None of the patients developed hypocalcemia, permanent hoarseness or skin burns. Conclusions: MWA is a minimal invasive and safe method in treating PTC with cervical lymph node metastasis.