Managing thyroid cancer in Steinert's disease: the role of radiofrequency ablation

J Surg Case Rep. 2023 Jun 30;2023(6):rjad381. doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjad381. eCollection 2023 Jun.

Abstract

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical technique used to treat benign or microcarcinoma thyroid nodules (TN) that provides an alternative for patients considered high-risk candidates for surgery. Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), also known as Steinert's Disease, is a multisystem disorder that affects various organs and tissues, including the thyroid. In this case, we presented a male patient diagnosed with DM1 who incidentally discovered a left TN with features indicative of thyroid cancer. Due to the patient's increased surgical risk associated with DM1, we opted for RFA as the treatment approach. In the follow-up, the TN decreased by 76.92% in size. The patient's thyroid function remained standard, with no reported complications or adverse effects post-treatment.

Keywords: Radiofrequency ablation; Steinert’s disease; Thyroid cancer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports