[Caution on the unregulated expansion of indications for thermal ablation in the initial treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma: reflections and concerns].

The indications and efficacy of thermal ablation as an initial treatment for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remain controversial. In the newly released "Expert consensus on thermal ablation for papillary thyroid carcinoma（2024）", the indications for the initial treatment of papillary thyroid cancer has been significantly expanded, which is worrying. This study systematically analyzes the related research and guidelines from both domestic and international sources, revealing that evidence supporting this technique is insufficient, particularly due to a lack of high-quality studies and robust long-term follow-up data. Additionally, thermal ablation faces several challenges in clinical practice, such as residual primary lesions and the inability to effectively manage metastatic lymph nodes. Notably, authoritative guidelines and expert consensus do not recommend thermal ablation as a routine treatment option. Therefore, the authors advocate for more cautious use of thermal ablation in clinical practice to prevent potential risks associated with its misuse and to promote the standardized management of thyroid carcinoma.