The Outcomes of Ultrasound-guided Thermal Ablation for Benign Thyroid Nodules

Inclusion Criteria:

• [1]confirmation of benign nodule status on two separate fine- needle aspiration (FNA) or core-needle biopsy (CNB) [2]no suspicious malignant features on ultrasoundexamination [3]report of cosmetic and/ or symptomatic problems or concern of nodulesgrowing rapidly or malignant transformation [4]refusal or ineligibility for surgery [5]follow-up time ≥6months

Exclusion Criteria:

1. follicular neoplasm or malignancy findings on biopsy

2. nodules with benign result on biopsy had suspicious of malignancy in US, includingmarked hypoechoic, ill-defined margins, taller-than-wide shape ormicrocalcifications

3. patients with cystic nodules

4. patients with contra-lateral vocal cord par- alysis

5. previous radiation to the head and neck

6. ; follow- up time less than 6 months