Although most thyroid nodules are clinically benign, the standardized treatment of nodules should not be neglected. Treatment generally includes non-surgical and surgical treatments. Non-surgical treatment includes thyroxine suppression therapy and radioactive iodine 131 therapy. Iodine 131 therapy requires a wide variation of iodine agents and has the potential for complications such as thyroiditis and permanent hypothyroidism; anhydrous alcohol intervention is effective for cystic nodules, but less effective for nodules with more complex internal physical properties. The local temperature is too high during inter-tissue laser ablation treatment, which may cause tissue damage; and for some cystic, gelatinous or blood flow-rich nodules, the efficacy is affected by their poor heat conduction properties. Yu Li, Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University
Surgery is the most thorough method for treating malignant thyroid tumors at present. The disadvantage is that for some benign nodules, it makes patients undergo unnecessary surgery, especially for women, the postoperative scar affects future work and life and causes great psychological burden to patients. Microwave and radiofrequency ablation have made great achievements in the treatment of tumors in liver, lung and kidney, etc. Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency or microwave ablation for thyroid nodules has the advantages of small trauma, high accuracy, high controllability, few complications and remarkable efficacy. As the technology is updated and people pursue higher quality of life, minimally invasive treatment is bound to become the main force in nodule treatment.