Laser Ablation for Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules – A Mini-Literature Review

Background: Thyroid nodules are a common disease in endocrine clinical practice. They are often benign, asymptomatic, and do not require any treatment. But, in a non-negligible proportion, they can cause local symptoms of compression or esthetic concerns. In the last two decades, the advent of laser ablation (LA) has become a valid alternative to surgery for these nodules. Moreover, LA has also been successfully used to treat small thyroid cancers and neck recurrence. Objective: This study aims to review and summarize the published literature regarding LA in the treatment of benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Methods: A comprehensive literature search on PubMed from 2000 to 2023 was carried out. The search terms included: thyroid, nodules, laser, cancer, lymph node metastasis, and autonomously functioning nodules. The most relevant investigations in the field were selected. Results: In the last two decades, a very remarkable number of papers consistently demonstrated that LA is able to durably shrink benign nodules on average by about 50%; better results are obtained in spongiform nodules with a volume less than 15 ml; 500 J/ml of tissue should be administered. LA may be a valid option to treat autonomously functioning nodules and papillary thyroid cancers especially if they are <10 mm, and with neck recurrence in patients already submitted to surgery. LA has also been demonstrated to be cost-effective compared to surgical treatment both in benign and malignant lesions, with similar outcomes. Conclusion: Evidence demonstrated that LA is a valid alternative to surgery in benign and malignant thyroid lesions, but also to obtain a successful treatment, a careful selection of the lesion is mandatory.