Percutaneous Ethanol Injection for Primary Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years and older * Diagnosis: single, cytology-proven papillary thyroid carcinoma measuring 1 cm or less in diameter (microcarcinoma, T1a), without visible extrathyroidal extension, and with negative central and lateral neck lymph nodes by ultrasound Exclusion Criteria: * Patient refusal to participate * History of prior thyroid or parathyroid surgery * Previous recurrent laryngeal nerve injury * Inability to make decisions or comply with follow up * Co-existing indication for thyroidectomy * Aggressive cytological or molecular features * Multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma * Pregnant or breast-feeding * Anatomically unfavorable location of the tumor (proximity to recurrent laryngeal nerve or trachea) * Documented or suspected distant metastasis * History of radiation to neck or face * Family history of thyroid cancer