Nonsurgical treatment for thyroid nodules / 中国实用内科杂志

ABSTRACT

Thyroid nodule is a very common disease, and most of the diseases are asymptomatic with benign ultrasound or cytology,which do not require treatment. A regular observation is commonly required, and its frequency should be determined based on the potential risk of malignancy. Only a few benign nodules need intervention due to some certain factors including neck discomfort,cosmetic problem and patients' desire. The nonsurgical treatments include thyroxine suppression therapy, percutaneous ethanol injection, thermal ablation, and radioactive iodine therapy, etc. Currently, active surveillance and thermal ablation are still an experimental treatment in debate for low-risk thyroid cancer. In a patient-centered approach, clinicians should assess the indications,benefits, and risks of various nonsurgical treatments in order to avoid over-treatment.