The advantages of sclerotherapy for thyroid nodules include ease of operation and quick recovery time, while the disadvantages are its limited indications and the possibility of recurrence.
Benign cystic thyroid nodules can be treated by sclerotherapy, which is usually performed by injecting anhydrous ethanol and other sclerosing agents under ultrasound guidance, causing aseptic necrosis of the cyst wall, causing adhesion of the cyst wall, and resulting in the occlusion of the cyst cavity, which ultimately achieves the purpose of treatment. This method is easy to operate, short treatment time, better treatment effect, less trauma and no scar.
However, the indications for sclerotherapy of cystic thyroid nodules are limited, and it is not applicable to malignant thyroid lesions. If sclerotherapy is performed without ruling out malignant thyroid lesions, the adhesion of the lesion tissue may cause difficulties in subsequent surgery. Moreover, there is a risk of recurrence after surgery.
Patients who need sclerotherapy for cystic thyroid nodules are advised to go to the hospital for treatment under the supervision of a doctor.