The influence of nodule size on clinical efficacy of ethanol ablation and microwave ablation on cystic or predominantly cystic thyroid nodules.

EA and MWA are both effective and safe in the treatment of cystic or predominantly cystic thyroid nodules. EA is more cost-effective and effective than MWA for small nodules, but it requires more cycles of treatment and may pose a higher risk of postoperative pain compared with MWA.