弹性成像技术在子宫肌瘤射频治疗中的应用价值

目的:探讨实时超声弹性成像(Real-time ultrasound elastography,RTE)在子宫肌瘤射频消融治疗(radiofrequency ablation,RFA)中的应用价值。方法:对34例行RFA治疗的子宫肌瘤患者(共38个病灶)于术前、术后1小时、术后3个月进行阴式超声、RTE及超声造影(contrast-enhanced ultrasonography,CEUS)检查。在2D、RTE、CEUS三种条件下分别测量病灶的直径。分析术前弹性图特征并分组,测量病灶弹性应变比率(E/E_0),对比分析组间、组内的E/E_0。比较2D、RTE、CEUS条件下病灶直径之间的差异。术后以弹性图像上病灶显示蓝绿相间为判定消融不全的标准,与CEUS对比,分析RTE与CEUS对消融程度评估的一致性。结果:根据术前肌瘤弹性图像将病灶分为蓝色组8个(21.1%),蓝色为主组20个(52.6%),绿色为主组10个(26.3%),术前3组病灶之间E/E_0差异明显,术后1小时、术后3个月E/E_0差异无统计学意义(P0.05),组内RFA术后1小时、3个月病灶E/E_0较术前明显增大,术后3个月E/E_0大于术后1小时(P0.05);术前RTE检测病灶直径大于2D及CEUS(P0.05),术后1小时2D测量直径大于RTE及CEUS(P0.05),三种成像技术在术后3个月测量病灶直径差异无统计学意义(P0.05);RFA术后1小时及术后3个月RTE对病灶消融程度评估结果与CEUS基本一致,Kappa值分别为0.46、0.54。结论:RFA术后肌瘤逐步变硬,RTE检查能够反映这种硬度变化,并且能够评估消融病灶的范围并预估消融程度,因此RTE在子宫肌瘤RFA治疗中有一定的应用价值。     

超声造影引导下行微波消融术治疗肝癌的临床效果分析*

摘要目的：评估超声造影(CEUS)引导下微波消融(MWA)治疗肝癌的有效性及应用价值。方法：108 例肝癌患者,共147个病灶经 MWA治疗。根据患者在做常规超声检查时,是否有扫查不清晰的结节或其他影像学检查提示可能存在多发结节等,分成CEUS 族和对照组。CEUS组41 名患者,年龄(57.9± 7.8）岁,共57 个病灶,平均直径（2.4± 1.5）cm,经超声造影引导下行微波消融治疗。 对照组67 名患者,年龄（55.5± 8.9）岁,共90 个病灶,平均直径（2.6± 1.7）cm,常规超声引导下同种条件行微波消融治疗。治疗后 对两组患者进行6～12 个月随访。结果：CEUS组的57 个病灶均清晰显示其位置、数目、大小、边界、形态,完全消融的结节为55 个,未完全消融的结节为2个。对照组67 名患者的90 个病灶,完全消融的病灶78 个;未完全消融的结节12 个。CEUS组完全消 融率高于病例对照组(96.49 %VS 86.67 %;P< 0.05）。随访6～12 个月后发现,CEUS 组完全消融率高于病例对照组(P< 0.05）,差 异有统计学意义。结论：CEUS能更好的显示病灶的位置、数目、大小,更精确显示病灶边界、范围,造影引导下MWA 是一种有效 提高完全消融效率的方法,具有较大应用价值。     

实时虚拟导航系统辅助超声引导下消融治疗肝癌患者疗效与安全性的系统评价

目的:系统评价实时虚拟导航系统辅助超声引导下射频消融治疗肝癌患者疗效与安全性,为临床治疗提供参考。方法:计算机检索Pubmed、EMbase、The Cochrane Library、Web of Science、WanFang Data、CNKI、CBM、VIP数据库,同时辅以其他检索,收集所有相关的临床对照试验,检索时限从各数据库建库起至2019年12月。由两位评价员分别独立根据纳入与排除标准对文献进行筛选、提取资料及质量评价,后采用RevMan 5.3软件进行分析。结果:共纳入6个队列研究,包括1845例患者。试验组为实时虚拟导航系统(Real-time Virtual Navigation System, RVS)辅助超声引导下(Ultrosound, US)/(Contrast Enhanced Ultrosound, CEUS)消融治疗肝癌组,即RVS+US/CEUS组,对照组为超声引导下消融治疗肝癌组,即US/CEUS组。分析结果显示:在提高肿瘤消融率方面,试验组显著优于对照组(P<0.05),在并发症发生率方面,试验组与对照组结局指标无统计学差异。结论:RVS辅助超声引导下射频消融治疗肝癌患者在提高肿瘤消融率方面优于传统超声引导下射频消融治疗。     

超声造影引导下行微波消融术治疗肝癌的临床效果分析

目的：评估超声造影（CEUS）gl导下微波消融（MwA）治疗肝癌的有效性及应用价值。方法：108例肝癌患者,共147个病灶经MWA治疗。根据患者在做常规超声检查时,是否有扫查不清晰的结节或其他影像学检查提示可能存在多发结节等,分成CEUS族和对照组。CEUS组41名患者,年龄（57．9±7．8）岁,共57个病灶,平均直径（2．4±1．5）cm,经超声造影引导下行微波消融治疗。对照组67名患者,年龄（55．5±8．9）岁,共90个病灶,平均直径（2．6±1．7）cm,常规超声引导下同种条件行微波消融治疗。治疗后对两组患者进行6～12个月随访。结果：CEUS组的57个病灶均清晰显示其位置、数目、大小、边界、形态,完全消融的结节为55个,未完全消融的结节为2个。对照组67名患者的90个病灶,完全消融的病灶78个;未完全消融的结节12个。CEUS组完全消融率高于病例对照组（96．49％VS86．67％;P〈0．05）。随访6～12个月后发现,CEUS组完全消融率高于病例对照组（P〈0．05）,差异有统计学意义。结论：CEUS能更好的显示病灶的位置、数目、大小,更精确显示病灶边界、范围,造影引导下MWA是一种有效提高完全消融效率的方法,具有较大应用价值。     

超声造影具较高肝硬化合并小肝癌的早期诊断率

为研究超声造影(CEUS)对肝硬化合并小肝癌(SHCC)的早期诊断价值,本研究随机选取肝硬化合并小肝癌患者33例,共计病灶36个。对透明细胞癌病灶的造影显示,其开始增强时间和增强峰值时间均大于中、低、高分化癌,而开始消退时间显著大于中低分化癌,显著低于高分化癌(p0.05);对小肝癌病灶的造影显示,开始增强时间与增强峰值时间差异不显著(p0.05),而高分化癌的开始消退时间显著高于中低分化癌(p0.05);关于超声造影增强模式,病灶在不同分化期呈现出了不同的造影特点。超声造影后,10个病灶较超声造影前诊断评分有所提高,其中5个病灶的诊断评分较超声造影前提高2分。经回顾性分析算得91.67%的病灶检出病情,69.44%的病灶可确诊。结果表明,超声造影对肝硬化合并小肝癌的确诊率较高,本研究为肝硬化合并小肝癌的临床分析提供了诊断依据。     

基于三维彩色血管能量成像的子宫肌瘤射频消融的临床研究

目的：探讨三维彩色血管能量成像（three-dimensional color power angiography,3D-CPA）在射频消融（radiofrequency ablation ,RFA）子宫肌瘤中的应用价值。方法：回顾性分析于我院行RFA 治疗的48 例子宫肌瘤患者,比较3D-CPA、CDFI(color Doppler flow imaging) 两种方法指导下肌瘤血流分级、血管形态显示、初次消融时间、消融针数、完全消融率。根据超声造影 （contrast-enhanced ultrasound ,CEUS）结果对两组瘤体中消融不全的部分补充消融,记录两组的消融时间、消融针数并比较整个治 疗过程的消融时间、消融针数。结果：3D-CPA、CDFI在显示血流分级、血管形态上差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。初次治疗后, 3D-CPA 组92.3%(21/24)瘤体无造影剂灌注,CDFI组有68.2%（15/22）瘤体无造影剂灌注。二者比较差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。 整体消融过程中两组瘤体均达到完全消融时,3D-CPA组消融时间为（22.42± 0.68）min,消融针数为（5.04± 0.27）针,而CDFI 组 消融时间为（27.0± 2.34）min,消融针数为（6.09± 0.46）针,两组间差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。结论：基于3D-CPA 可以显示子 宫肌瘤内外血管数目、形态用以指导射频消融治疗子宫肌瘤的价值优于CDFI指导射频消融术。     

基于三维超声造影融合图像的子宫肌瘤射频消融的疗效评价体系的研究

目的:探讨通过利用三维超声造影融合技术及术后随访观察建立子宫肌瘤射频消融疗效评价体系的可行性。方法:消融术前采集三维超声造影容积数据,术后在术前三维超声造影与术后二维超声融合图像的基础上对肌瘤进行超声造影检查,即时评价消融范围,并对于消融不全者行补充消融。分别于术后1、3个月常规阴式超声复查,测量肌瘤大小,计算肌瘤体积缩小率,以肌瘤体积缩小80%以上为治愈,肌瘤体积缩小50%以上为显效,肌瘤体积缩小20%以上为有效。结果:术后图像融合成功率83.3%(30/36),其中完全消融率93.3%(28/30),术后1、3个月肌瘤体积进行性缩小,平均体积分别为17.6±9.1 cm~3、14.4±10.5 cm~3,与治疗前比较差异有统计学意义。治疗后3个月总体治愈率83.3%(25/30),总体有效率100%(30/30)。结论:三维超声造影融合导航技术能较好地对子宫肌瘤消融范围进行术后即时评价,结合术后中远期的肌瘤体积缩小率,可以很好的对子宫肌瘤射频消融做出系统的疗效评价。     

超声造影在肝硬化合并肝内局灶性小病灶中的诊断价值

目的:探讨超声造影(CEUS)在肝硬化合并肝内局灶性小病灶(≤3.0 cm)中的诊断价值。方法:选择我院自2010年4月至2014年8月患有肝硬化合并肝内局灶性小病灶的患者100例,采用MRI、CT及病理确定病灶良恶性,同时对比影像结果,计算常规超声和CEUS的准确性。结果:MRI、CT及病理确定病灶105个,其中恶性组45例,良性组60例,超声造影技术能清晰的显示出血流灌注的情况以及动脉相、门脉相及延迟相的特点。数据统计结果显示常规超声和CEUS的准确性、特异性和敏感性分别为59.05%、77.78%、45.00%和95.24%、95.56%、95.00%,两者之间的差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:相对于常规超声,CEUS对患有肝硬化合并肝内局灶性小病灶的患者具有更高的诊断价值。     

TACE联合RFA疗法可有效提高原发性肝癌患者的疗效

为了探讨肝动脉栓塞化疗(TACE)联合射频消融(RFA)对原发性肝癌患者疗效的影响,本研究选取了2016年1月至2016年12月我院收治的原发性肝癌患者60例,随机分为两组,对照组应用TACE治疗,研究组应用TACE联合RFA治疗。通过对比两组患者治疗效果及Th1、Th2细胞因子水平,我们发现研究组患者的治疗有效率显著优于对照组(p0.05);治疗前两组患者的Th1、Th2型细胞因子的水平无明显区别(p0.05),治疗后均得到一定改善,研究组显著优于对照组(p0.05);治疗前两组患者的免疫细胞因子的水平无明显区别(p0.05),治疗后两组均得到一定改善,且研究组显著优于对照组(p0.05)。本研究表明,TACE联合RFA治疗原发性肝癌患者,有利于提高近期有效率,改善患者的Th1、Th2细胞因子水平。我们的研究为肝动脉栓塞化疗联合射频消融疗法在原发性肝癌患者临床治疗中的应用提供了一定的理论依据。     

超声引导经皮微波消融治疗邻近血管的原发性肝癌的疗效分析

探讨超声引导经皮微波消融治疗邻近血管的原发性肝癌的疗效。2010年1月至2013年6月期间,回顾性分析在我院采用超声引导下微波消融技术治疗的213例(267个病灶)原发性肝癌患者的病例资料,根据患者病灶位置分为邻近血管组(76例,91个病灶)和对照组(137例,176个病灶),比较两组患者的微波消融次数、微波消融时间、完全消融率、局部肿瘤进展率、累计存活率及并发症。邻近血管组和对照组的原发性肝癌患者消融次数均为1~3次,两组平均微波消融次数无显著差异(p<0.05)。两组微波消融时间为5~28 min,其中邻近血管组显著高于对照组(p>0.05)。微波消融1个月后,邻近血管组的完全消融率与对照组无显著差异(p<0.05)。两组患者在3个阶段(1随访1年,3年和5年)的的局部肿瘤进展率和累计生存率无统计学差异(p<0.05)。两组患者5年随访时间内分别有29例和53例患者死亡。主要死亡原因包括肝癌进展、肝功能衰竭、血管曲张破裂、脑出血、急性肺栓塞、心肌梗死等。邻近血管组共有25例出现术后并发症,对照组有44例。主要并发症类型为腹腔积液、膈疝、出血、肝脓肿、气胸、肝区疼痛和发热。两组之间并发症发生率无统计学意义(p=0.907)。微波消融治疗邻近血管的原发性肝癌具有较好的局部肿瘤控制率,可对邻近血管的危险病灶区域进行有效治疗。     

Nano-assisted radiofrequency ablation of clinically extracted irregularly-shaped liver tumors

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for liver tumors is a minimally invasive procedure that uses electrical energy and heat to destroy cancer cells. One of the critical factors that impedes its successful outcome is the use of inappropriate radiofrequency levels that will not completely destroy the target tumor tissues, resulting in therapy failure. Additionally, the surrounding healthy tissues may suffer from serious damage due to excessive ablation. To address these challenges, this work proposes the employment of injected nanoparticles to thermally promote the ablation efficacy of conventional RFA. A three-dimensional finite difference analysis is employed to simulate the RFA treatment. Based on the data acquired from measured experiments, the simulation results have demonstrated close agreement with experimental data with a maximum discrepancy of within ±8.7%. Several types of nanoparticles were selected to evaluate their influences on liver tissue's thermal and electrical properties. We analysed the effects of nanoparticles on liver RFA via a tumor rending process incorporating several clinically-extracted tumor profiles and vascular systems. Simulations were conducted to explore the temperature difference responses between conventional RFA treatment and one with the inclusion of assisted nanoparticles on several irregularly-shaped tumors. Results have indicated that applying selected nanoparticles with high thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity on the targeted tissue zone promotes heating rate while sustaining a similar ablation zone that experiences lower maximum temperature when compared with the conventional RFA treatment. In sum, incorporating thermally-enhancing nanoparticles promotes heat transfer during the RFA treatment, resulting in improved ablation efficiency.     

Laparoscopic and percutaneous ablative techniques in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma

Widespread use of computed tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging has led to an increase in detection of relatively small renal masses, and approaches to managing them have evolved in the last two decades. Indications for nephron-sparing surgery have expanded, and minimally invasive procedures, which can confer advantages over open surgery, are now available. Ablative techniques offer a combination of nephron-sparing and minimally invasive approaches. Ablative techniques include cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Cryoablation and RFA have been relatively safe. HIFU has been associated with serious side effects in animal models, and is not yet acceptable for use in humans. Ablative techniques require long-term studies to confirm lasting efficacy. The best modality for tumor targeting, monitoring of therapy, and follow-up is still under investigation. Debate exists regarding the best method for ensuring adequate intraoperative tumor cryoablation. For minimally invasive ablative measures to gain a place as nephron-sparing approaches, they should show both equivalent efficacy and reduced morbidity relative to those of open partial nephrectomy. These techniques should currently be reserved for selected patients and should be compared to the evolving modality of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.     

射频消融术治疗肝癌的研究新进展

肝癌为我国常见的恶性肿瘤之一。到目前为止,肝癌的治疗方法中,手术治疗仍为肝癌患者能获得较好生存率的首选方法。但由于很多患者发现肝癌时,晚期患者较多,很多肝功能较差剩余肝组织不能代偿,或全身情况较差,已不适合手术治疗。基于此种情况,现很多非手术治疗方法广泛应用于临床。而射频消融术治疗肝癌,作为一种非手术治疗方法,有着微创,疗效好,并发症少,安全,可反复应用等优点,近年来已成为治疗肝癌的一种常用手段。射频消融术治疗肝癌可分为开腹射频,腔镜下射频,影像学引导下经皮射频等。治疗方式可单独射频治疗,也可与介入治疗,酒精注射,静脉全身化疗等联合应用。现从射频消融术治疗肝癌的原理,适应症,方式,并发症,及预后几方面回顾总结该技术。     

Monitoring Radiofrequency Ablation Using Real-Time Ultrasound Nakagami Imaging Combined with Frequency and Temporal Compounding Techniques

Gas bubbles induced during the radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of tissues can affect the detection of ablation zones (necrosis zone or thermal lesion) during ultrasound elastography. To resolve this problem, our previous study proposed ultrasound Nakagami imaging for detecting thermal-induced bubble formation to evaluate ablation zones. To prepare for future applications, this study (i) created a novel algorithmic scheme based on the frequency and temporal compounding of Nakagami imaging for enhanced ablation zone visualization, (ii) integrated the proposed algorithm into a clinical scanner to develop a real-time Nakagami imaging system for monitoring RFA, and (iii) investigated the applicability of Nakagami imaging to various types of tissues. The performance of the real-time Nakagami imaging system in visualizing RFA-induced ablation zones was validated by measuring porcine liver (n = 18) and muscle tissues (n = 6). The experimental results showed that the proposed algorithm can operate on a standard clinical ultrasound scanner to monitor RFA in real time. The Nakagami imaging system effectively monitors RFA-induced ablation zones in liver tissues. However, because tissue properties differ, the system cannot visualize ablation zones in muscle fibers. In the future, real-time Nakagami imaging should be focused on the RFA of the liver and is suggested as an alternative monitoring tool when advanced elastography is unavailable or substantial bubbles exist in the ablation zone.     

常规超声及超声造影在肝癌中的诊断及鉴别诊断价值

目的:探讨常规超声及超声造影在肝癌中的诊断及鉴别诊断价值。方法:收集2009年5月至2013年10月在我院进行住院诊治的肝癌患者120例,选择飞利浦IU22进行常规超声检查,选择飞利浦的IU22进行超声造影检查。结果:常规超声检查68例为低回声,20例为强回声,12例为等回声,17例为混合性回声,3例误诊为肝外病变,检出率为97.5%。肝癌组织的AT、TTP、ACT值明显晚于正常肝组织(P0.05),而BI、PI、MTT与BF值对比差异无明显差异(P0.05)。Spearman相关分析显示超声造影灌注参数AT、TTP、ACT与肿瘤分化程度呈正向相关性(P0.05)。结论:常规超声及超声造影在肝癌中的诊断及鉴别都有很好的应用价值,超声造影的应用可反映正常和病变组织的血流灌注情况,从而提高肝癌诊断的准确性。     

“One-off” Complete Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Adjacent to the Gallbladder by a Novel Laparoscopic Technique Without Gallbladder Isolation

The main objective of this study is to assess the feasibility and safety of treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) proximal to the gallbladder using laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Surgical ablation of tumor located adjacent to the gallbladder may damage the gallbladder wall, even with a laparoscope and this ablation method is not precise and incomplete and is frequently combined with alcohol injections with need for further RFA treatment. Four patients were included in this study, with typical HCC where the tumor was present on the left, right, or bed side surrounding the gallbladder. The gallbladder was not separated or removed during larascopic inspection. In the RFA treatment procedure, the tumor lesion was pre-heated for 10 min, and heating was continued for 20 min. The integrity of the gallbladder wall was properly maintained. A follow-up to check for possible local recurrence was carried out 1 year after the RFA. The goal of “one-off” tumor complete RFA is to achieve thorough ablation of the tumor in a single treatment and limiting the possibility of recurrence within 6 months. Seven days after RFA, liver functions of all the patients returned to near-preoperative levels. The patients experienced slight pain in the upper right abdomen, which disappeared in 2–3 days. Results of B ultrasound on days 3–5 showed thickening of the periphery of the ablation area, without significant effusion. Enhanced CT on day 3 showed that RFA low-density area completely covered the lesions. No significant abnormality was observed in the gallbladder and its vicinity. One month after the surgery, B ultrasound and CT examination revealed no significant abnormalities. All patients had an intact gallbladder, and no extrahepatic or intrahepatic bile duct dilatation occurred. There was no evidence of damage to the bile duct or the vessels. Follow-up for 18–32 months found that all patients were in good condition. “One-off” complete RFA can be safely implemented to ablate HCC close to the gallbladder with the assistance of a laparoscope while maintaining integrity and continuity of the gallbladder, and without the need for secondary treatments.     

Complete Radio Frequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Adjacent to the Main Bile Duct and Blood Vessels Between the First and the Second Hepatic Portal

In cases where hepatocellular carcinoma cannot be surgically removed either due to the capacity of hepatic functional reserve or the special location of the tumor, a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is recognized to be an effective and minimally invasive treatment. However, when the tumor is adjacent to the main bile duct and blood vessels, it is feared that due to the “heat-sink effect” of the blood and the possible damage to the duct and blood vessels, complete tumor ablation is hard to achieve. We report here a case of complete RFA of hepatocellular carcinoma, adjacent to the main bile duct and blood vessels between the first and the second hepatic portal, with emphasis on the safety of the approach for complete ablation of the tumor.     

甲状腺结节的现代诊疗进展

绝大多数甲状腺结节都是经影像学检查无意间发现的,即使是良性甲状腺结节,也有必要进行治疗。临床医生需要综合患者的病史、体格检查及实验室、影像学或细胞学穿刺活检等检查结果尽可能明确诊断结节的良恶性。非手术微创治疗方法对于多数的良性结节行药物或放射性碘治疗如无水酒精注射(PEI)、激光光凝(ILP)、放射性碘消融(RFI)和微波消融(MWA)效果较好;而恶性或高度怀疑恶性及部分较大良性结节需行外科手术切除,根据结节的具体类型并结合各高危因素选择适当的切除范围,某些恶性结节术后还需进一步辅助碘131放射治疗并跟踪随访。本文综述了有关甲状腺结节的最新诊断和治疗进展,重点阐述了美国甲状腺协会关于甲状腺结节和分化型甲状腺癌的诊治指南的相关主张。     

Cytologic changes in small hepatocellular carcinomas after radiofrequency ablation

OBJECTIVE: To illustrate the cytologic changes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA). STUDY DESIGN: The study included 20 patients with 23 HCC who had undergone RFA under ultrasound guidance. Baseline cytomorphology of HCC was evaluated by fine needle aspiration (FNA) in all cases. Triphasic helical computed tomography (CT) and FNA cytology were done to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment within two weeks after RFA. The cytologic specimens were stained with Riu's method (Romanowsky stain). RESULTS: A range of cytologic findings after RFA was found, including granular and amorphous debris with artefactual aggregation, degenerated cells or necrotic material, and dyshesive, degenerated cells in a necrotic background. The cytologic patterns included necrotic cells and debris in 14 tumors and fine, granular necrosis in 9. Helical CT showed no enhancement in any of the tumors after RFA. CONCLUSION: The cell patterns indicated complete necrosis in HCC after RFA.     

American Association of Clinical Endocrinology Disease State Clinical Review: The Clinical Utility of Minimally Invasive Interventional Procedures in the Management of Benign and Malignant Thyroid Lesions

ObjectiveThe objective of this disease state clinical review is to provide clinicians with a summary of the nonsurgical, minimally invasive approaches to managing thyroid nodules/malignancy, including their indications, efficacy, side effects, and outcomes.MethodsA literature search was conducted using PubMed and appropriate key words. Relevant publications on minimally invasive thyroid techniques were used to create this clinical review.ResultsMinimally invasive thyroid techniques are effective and safe when performed by experienced centers. To date, percutaneous ethanol injection therapy is recommended for recurrent benign thyroid cysts. Both ultrasound-guided laser and radiofrequency ablation can be safely used for symptomatic solid nodules, both toxic and nontoxic. Microwave ablation and high-intensity focused ultrasound are newer approaches that need further clinical evaluation. Despite limited data, encouraging results suggest that minimally invasive techniques can also be used in small-size primary and locally recurrent thyroid cancer.ConclusionSurgery and radioiodine treatment remain the conventional and established treatments for nodular goiters. However, the new image-guided minimally invasive approaches appear safe and effective alternatives when used appropriately and by trained professionals to treat symptomatic or enlarging thyroid masses.