Clinical Treatment Status of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma

Abstract

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is a subtype of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) characterized by a diameter of less than 10 mm. While its incidence is on the rise, PTMC generally carries a favorable prognosis. Traditional surgical intervention remains the primary treatment method, widely recognized for its effectiveness. However, surgical procedures can lead to postoperative scarring and complications, posing challenges for patients. For some low-risk PTMC cases that exhibit long periods of non-progression, active surveillance has emerged as a viable treatment option. Thermal ablation technology, guided by ultrasound, has demonstrated comparable short-term efficacy to surgery but with smaller incisions and reduced costs, offering a new alternative for PTMC patients. Currently, the management strategies for PTMC exhibit considerable diversity, contributing to ongoing debates in treatment approaches. This paper provides a comprehensive summary and review of the primary therapies available today.

Keywords

• |thyroid gland|papillary microcarcinoma|active surveillance|thermal ablation