Minimally Invasive Surgery Plus Heat Ablation for Thyroid Cancer in Both Lobes

This trial is testing a new way to treat papillary thyroid cancer when it appears on both sides of the thyroid gland. Instead of removing the entire thyroid (which most patients currently undergo), this approach uses minimally invasive endoscopic surgery to remove the dominant side through a small incision under the arm, and then uses radiofrequency ablation—a heat-based technique—to treat a small nodule on the other side during the same procedure. The goal is to help patients keep some thyroid function and avoid lifelong hormone replacement therapy.

Traditional treatment for bilateral thyroid cancer requires removing the entire thyroid, which forces patients to take replacement hormones for life and carries a small risk of permanent low calcium levels. This trial exists to see whether a less invasive combination approach can control cancer effectively while preserving some of the thyroid's natural function.