Initial Treatment Outcomes of Radiofrequency Ablation for Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma at Bach Mai Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the initial outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) at Bach Mai Hospital.
Methods: A retrospective and prospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on all patients who underwent RFA for PTMC at Bach Mai Hospital between October 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024. All patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months after the procedure.
Results: The study included 32 patients (3 males and 29 females) with a mean age of 44,69 ± 13,42 years (range: 24–75). The mean tumor volume was 0,064 ± 0,079 ml. All patients underwent RFA for PTMC.
The mean follow-up duration was 16,29 ± 8,04 months. The complete disappearance rate of tumors increased over time: 0% at 3 months, 14,3% at 6 months, 31,8% at 12 months, 81,8% at 18 months, and 100% at 24 months of follow-up. Only one patient (3,1%) experienced transient hoarseness; no delayed complications or permanent injuries were observed.
Conclusion: RFA is a minimally invasive, effective, and safe treatment option for PTMC.