Minimally invasive treatment for thyroid cancer: conceptual dissociation and the path to standardized development—towards a correct understanding of the diversification of thyroid cancer treatment modalities

VernacularTitle:甲状腺癌“微创”治疗：概念异化与规范发展之路——正确理解甲状腺治疗手段的多样化
Author: Ming GAO ¹ ; Dapeng LI
Author Information

1. 天津市人民医院（南开大学第一附属医院）甲状腺乳腺外科　天津市普通外科学重点建设学科实验室，天津　300121
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Thyroid neoplasms; Minimally invasive treatment
From: Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;40(10):753-756
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: There is a notable trend of "conceptual alienation" in the current "minimally invasive" treatment of thyroid cancer, where "minimally invasive" is simplistically equated with small incisions or overemphasis on cosmetic outcomes, while neglecting its core essence: minimizing overall trauma while ensuring radical treatment. Endoscopic/robotic surgeries, though capable of hiding scars, may involve greater trauma from creating operational spaces and are suitable for strictly selected patients rather than being universally applicable. Thermal ablation techniques, while less traumatic for treating microcarcinomas, carry the risk of expanded indications beyond recommended guidelines. We emphasize that all treatments must adhere to the principle of "radical cure first, function intact second, and cosmetic result third " avoiding technological misuse, and advocating a return to radical cure-focused, individualized rational treatment based on long-term follow-up data.