Ji-Hoon Kim MD, PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Chul Ho Sohn MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Seung Hong Choi MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Tae Jin Yun MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Treatment of small recurrent thyroid cancer is a therapeutic dilemma. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the therapeutic effect of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for small recurrent thyroid cancer with that of reoperation.

Between February 2008 and November 2011, 101 patients (27 men, 74 women; mean age, 51.3 years) with small recurrent thyroid cancers were included with the following criteria: (1) 3 or fewer recurrent well-differentiated thyroid cancers of 1.5 cm or less in size (2) no recurrent cancer beyond the target lesions (3) 1 year or more of follow-up. Under the guidance of ultrasound, 32 patients underwent RFA by using RF generator and 18-gauge internally cooled electrodes. In 69 patients, selective neck dissections were generally performed to include all compartments with evidence of disease and the compartments immediately adjacent if they had not previously undergone complete dissection. In addition to clinical and biochemical parameters at initial surgery and final recurrence, clinical and biochemical outcome and procedure related complication were compared between RFA and reoperation groups with a review of medical records. 

With regard to the patients’ demographics, pathologic findings, and method of surgery at initial surgery, there was no significant difference between two groups. At the time of RFA or reoperation for tumor recurrence, the number of previous re-operation, the number, size, location of the recurrent tumors, and serum thyroglobulin showed also no significant difference. During mean 23 months follow-up, the rate of tumor recurrence (6.7% vs. 4.3%) and negative conversion rate of serum thyroglobulin (68.4% vs. 68.3%) were not significantly different between RFA and reoperation groups. However, in contrast to no occurrence in RFA group, post-procedure hypocalcemia occurred exclusively in reoperation group (13.1%). The rate of post-procedure hoarseness (3.3% vs. 7.2%) was not significantly different between RFA and reoperation groups.  

RFA appears to be an effective and safe alternative option to reoperation for controlling small recurrent thyroid cancers. 

For controlling small recurrent thyroid cancers, radiofrequency ablation appears to be an effective and safe alternative option to reoperation. 

Kim, J, Sohn, C, Choi, S, Yun, T, Therapeutic Effect of Ultrasound-guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Small Recurrent Thyroid Cancers: Comparison with Reoperation  .  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13044358.html