Objective To summarize the research progress in the treatment of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) , and provide rationalized treatment strategies for patients with PTMC. Methods Retrieved and reviewed relevant literatures about the treatment of PTMC in recent years both at home and abroad. Results Low-risk and high-risk PTMC differ markedly in biological characteristics and prognosis and should be treated differently. For high-risk PTMC, surgery is the primary treatment, supplemented by endocrine and radioiodine therapy. Various options are available for low-risk PTMC, including surgery, active surveillance, and ablative therapy. Surgery is the preferred option with clear efficacy and diversified surgical options. However, there are surgical risks and postoperative complications. Active surveillance avoids surgical and/or postoperative complications. Thermal ablation is minimally invasive with a low impact on thyroid function. Still, both active surveillance and thermal ablation lack the results of large samples with long-term follow-up to validate effectiveness and safety. Conclusions Stratified management should be applied to PTMC. High-risk PTMC should be treated surgically. All three treatment options of low-risk PTMC have advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered in conjunction with the patients’ wishes. After careful assessments and fully informed communications with patients, doctors and patients work together to develop a rationalized and individualized PTMC treatment strategy.

Citation： YANG Guang, ZHENG Xun, WEI Tao. Advancements in the treatment of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. CHINESE JOURNAL OF BASES AND CLINICS IN GENERAL SURGERY, 2025, 32(8): 1032-1037. doi: 10.7507/1007-9424.202502045 Copy

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