# Laryngectomy‐Sparing Radio Frequency Ablation for Laryngeal Metastasis in Recurrent Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A rare case of recurrent thyroid cancer with laryngeal metastasis was successfully treated with radio frequency ablation, avoiding laryngectomy and preserving voice.

## Contribution

This case report presents a novel application of radio frequency ablation for laryngeal metastasis in recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma.

## Key findings

- Radio frequency ablation successfully treated laryngeal metastasis in a patient with recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma.
- The patient avoided laryngectomy and maintained voice function after treatment.
- Combining RFA with radioactive iodine and external beam radiation may be effective for similar cases.

## Abstract

Recurrence rate of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) due to laryngeal metastasis is rare, radio frequency ablation (RFA) shows efficacy in management of recurrent PTC. This case is important due to its rarity and limited evidence on using RFA for recurrent PTC with laryngeal metastasis, focusing on larynx preservation and voice maintenance.

A 64‐year‐old woman with recurrent PTC experienced shortness of breath, hoarseness, and painful swallowing. Imaging revealed two masses affecting her vocal cords and severe airway narrowing. After declining a laryngectomy, she underwent RFA and temporary tracheostomy. Follow‐up showed successful treatment, with no residual mass, and her voice improved.

This case shows a successful performance of RFA in a patient with recurrent and invasive PTC with laryngeal involvement who refused laryngectomy. It seems that combining RFA with radioactive iodine and external beam radiation can be considered in patients with recurrent PTC with laryngeal metastasis to maintain voice.