From May 16 to 17, 2026, the First Annual Conference of the World Ablative Therapies Association (WATA 2026) was grandly held at the Sheraton Beijing Lize Hotel. As a critical component of the conference, the Head and Neck Tumor Ablation Parallel Session (Thyroid) featured consecutive academic symposiums focusing on benign thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, parathyroid diseases, maxillofacial tumors, and thermal ablation of the head and neck. The session covered various ablation modalities, including radiofrequency, microwave, and cryoablation, as well as essential components such as ultrasound, CT, AI-assisted evaluation, and intraoperative safety monitoring. It systematically presented the latest advancements and practical experiences in the field, ranging from the selection of clinical indications to the management of efficacy follow-up.
This parallel session gathered numerous domestic and international experts and scholars. It featured cutting-edge perspectives from international experts such as Professor Fernando Walder (Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil), Professor Carlos Neutzling Lehn (Hospital Servidor Público Estadual, Brazil), Professor Rafael de Cicco (Instituto Arnaldo Vieira de Carvalho, Brazil), Professor Mehmet Korkmaz (Kütahya Health Sciences University), and Professor Ana Voogd (Austral University Hospital, Argentina). Domestic experts also provided in-depth sharing on clinical pathways, technical specifications, efficacy evaluations, and case practices, making the on-site exchanges highly international, standardized, and practical.
Opening of the Head and Neck Tumor Ablation Parallel Session (Thyroid)
Time： May 16, 13:20—13:30
On the afternoon of May 16, the Head and Neck Tumor Ablation Parallel Session (Thyroid) officially commenced in Meeting Room 5. The opening ceremony was co-chaired by Professor Ming-Bo Zhang from the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital and Professor Deng-Ke Teng from the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University. Professor Fernando Walder (Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil) and Professor Hui Wang from the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University delivered the opening remarks. They welcomed domestic and international experts to engage in profound exchanges on the ablation treatment of thyroid and head and neck tumors, establishing a professional and open academic tone for the session from the perspectives of international collaboration, discipline construction, and standardized promotion.
Afternoon Session Opening
13:30—15:30 Head and Neck Tumor Ablation Parallel Session (Thyroid) (Part I)
This phase of the session was co-chaired by Professor Fang Nie from the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Professor Yu-Guo Wang from Jiangsu Province Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, and Professor Nian-An He from the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC (Anhui Provincial Hospital). The three moderators systematically guided presentations and discussions on topics including benign thyroid nodules, maxillofacial tumors, AI ultrasound evaluation, head and neck thermal ablation localization, and the treatment of parathyroid diseases, creating a tight cohesion among technical comparisons, clinical applications, and safety margins during this phase.
Phase I Moderation and On-site Exchanges
13:30—13:50 Professor Carlos Neutzling Lehn: Radiofrequency Ablation vs. Microwave Ablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules (A Comparative Study)
Professor Carlos Neutzling Lehn (Hospital Servidor Público Estadual, Brazil) conducted a comparative analysis of the efficacy, indication selection, energy control, and safety between radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation in treating benign thyroid nodules. Integrating the characteristics of different technologies, his report emphasized the necessity of individualized treatment selection based on nodule size, location, vascularity, and patient symptoms, offering an international perspective for the minimally invasive treatment pathways of benign thyroid nodules.
Carlos Neutzling Lehn Delivering a Special Report)
13:50—14:10 Man Lu: Minimally Invasive Ablation Therapy for Maxillofacial Tumors
Professor Man Lu from the Sichuan Cancer Hospital introduced the application of minimally invasive ablation techniques in the treatment of maxillofacial tumors. Starting from the clinical characteristics of the maxillofacial region—such as complex anatomical structures and high demands for functional and aesthetic preservation—the report elaborated on the potential advantages of ablation therapy in local lesion control, trauma reduction, and the improvement of patients' quality of life, demonstrating the clinical value of this technique in the comprehensive management of head and neck tumors.
Man Lu Delivering a Special Report
14:10—14:30 Xi Wei: The Clinical Value and Application of AI in Thyroid Ultrasound Diagnosis and Thyroid Tumor Ablation Evaluation
Professor Xi Wei from Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital shared insights on the clinical value and application of artificial intelligence (AI) in thyroid ultrasound diagnosis and the evaluation of thyroid tumor ablation. The presentation focused on the auxiliary role of AI in nodule identification, risk stratification, standardized image interpretation, and post-ablation efficacy evaluation. He pointed out that AI technology helps enhance diagnostic consistency, optimize preoperative decision-making, and provide new tool support for the precision follow-up of thyroid ablation therapies.
Xi Wei Delivering a Special Report
14:30—14:50 Rafael de Cicco: Thermal Ablation for Head and Neck Tumors: A Complementary Approach, Alternative Regimen, or Transitional Bridge?
Professor Rafael de Cicco (Instituto Arnaldo Vieira de Carvalho, Brazil) delivered a presentation on the clinical positioning of thermal ablation in head and neck tumors, primarily exploring its application value as a complementary measure, an alternative regimen, or a transitional bridge within a multidisciplinary treatment paradigm. The report emphasized that, following comprehensive evaluation, thermal ablation can provide more flexible treatment options for patients who are poor surgical candidates, at high risk of recurrence, or requiring staged lesion control.
Rafael de Cicco Delivering a Special Report
14:50—15:10 Lei Xie: Adverse Consequences of Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Analysis
Through case analyses, Professor Lei Xie from Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, engaged in a thematic discussion on the potential adverse consequences of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Using clinical cases as a starting point, the report delineated the risk nodes in preoperative evaluation, puncture trajectory design, ablation margin control, critical structure protection, and postoperative follow-up, suggesting that performing ablation therapy for thyroid cancer necessitates strict adherence to clinical indications and standardized protocols.
Lei Xie Delivering a Special Report
15:10—15:30 Mehmet Korkmaz: Next-Generation Microwave Ablation for Parathyroid Adenomas
Professor Mehmet Korkmaz (Kütahya Health Sciences University) presented a lecture on next-generation microwave ablation for parathyroid adenomas, introducing the technical advancements in this application. The presentation covered aspects such as lesion localization, energy deposition, and the preservation of surrounding nerves and vessels. It analyzed the potential of microwave ablation in ameliorating symptoms related to hyperparathyroidism, reducing surgical trauma, and alleviating hospitalization burden, thereby providing a novel technical reference for the minimally invasive treatment of parathyroid diseases.
Mehmet Korkmaz Delivering a Special Report
15:30—15:50 Coffee Break & Networking
During the coffee break, participating experts and delegates exchanged views on topics of interest from the first-phase presentations, seamlessly bridging the academic discussions for the subsequent thematic reports.
15:50—17:30 Head and Neck Tumor Ablation Parallel Session (Thyroid) (Part II)
The second phase was co-chaired by Professor Qi Zhou from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Professor Ying Che from the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, and Professor Xiao-Mao Luo from Yunnan Cancer Hospital. This stage focused on intraoperative safety monitoring, recurrent parathyroid adenomas, massive benign nodules, papillary thyroid carcinoma, and long-term experiences in thermal ablation of thyroid cancer, further expanding the core of the discussion from technical applications to risk prevention and control, long-term efficacy, and standardized management.
Phase II Moderation and On-site Exchanges
15:50—16:10 Jie Ren: The Value of Ultrasound Monitoring of the Vocal Cords During Thyroid Ablation
Professor Jie Ren from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University presented on "The Value of Ultrasound Monitoring of the Vocal Cords During Thyroid Ablation," introducing the significance of vocal cord monitoring in enhancing the safety of ablation treatments. Focusing on the critical issue of recurrent laryngeal nerve preservation during thyroid ablation, the report expounded on the adjunctive value of ultrasound monitoring in preoperative assessment, intraoperative observation, and postoperative functional determination, providing practical approaches to minimizing voice-related complications.
Jie Ren Delivering a Special Report
16:10—16:30 Ana Voogd: Thermal Ablation of Recurrent Parathyroid Adenomas
Professor Ana Voogd (Austral University Hospital, Argentina) delivered a special report on the "Thermal Ablation of Recurrent Parathyroid Adenomas," detailing the application of thermal ablation in treating recurrent cases. Addressing clinical challenges such as reoperation risks, scar adhesions, difficulties in lesion localization, and functional preservation, the presentation analyzed the feasibility and safety management essentials of thermal ablation as a minimally invasive alternative for recurrent cases.
Ana Voogd Delivering a Special Report
16:30—16:50 Deng-Ke Teng: The Application of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Combined with Feeding Artery Ablation in the Thermal Ablation of Massive Benign Thyroid Nodules
Professor Deng-Ke Teng from the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University shared insights on "The Application of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Combined with Feeding Artery Ablation in the Thermal Ablation of Massive Benign Thyroid Nodules." The report underscored that massive benign nodules often present with rich blood supply and a prolonged volume reduction cycle. Utilizing contrast-enhanced ultrasound to identify vascular characteristics in conjunction with feeding artery ablation helps optimize the ablation strategy, enhance treatment efficiency, and improve postoperative volume reduction and symptom relief.
Deng-Ke Teng Delivering a Special Report
16:50—17:10 Jing-Chun Yang: Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Radiofrequency Ablation for Multifocal cT1N0M0 Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Five-Year Clinical Study
Professor Jing-Chun Yang from Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University presented a report titled "Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Radiofrequency Ablation for Multifocal cT1N0M0 Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Five-Year Clinical Study." Based on long-term follow-up data, the presentation focused on local control, recurrence risk, safety events, and follow-up management in patients with early-stage multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma undergoing radiofrequency ablation, offering a vital reference for exploring the clinical boundaries of minimally invasive treatment for low-risk thyroid cancer.
Jing-Chun Yang Delivering a Special Report
17:10—17:30 Lin Yan: Thermal Ablation of Thyroid Cancer: A Ten-Year Experience Summary
Professor Lin Yan from the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital delivered a special report on "Thermal Ablation of Thyroid Cancer: A Ten-Year Experience Summary," sharing extensive practical experience in the field. By summarizing expertise in patient screening, treatment strategies, efficacy evaluation, complication control, and long-term follow-up systems, the report emphasized the critical importance of standardized pathways and continuous surveillance in ensuring the safety and sustained efficacy of thyroid cancer ablation.
Lin Yan Delivering a Special Report
Head and Neck Tumor Ablation Parallel Session (Thyroid) (Part III) — Young Scholars Forum
Time：17:50—18:50 / May 16, 17:50—18:50
The Young Scholars Forum was moderated by Professor Ming-Bo Zhang from the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital and Professor Deng-Ke Teng from the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, providing a platform for young scholars to showcase clinical reflections, research progress, and technological explorations. The presentations covered clinical conundrums such as massive thyroid nodules, substernal goiters, primary hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy, and hyperthyroidism ablation, fully reflecting the active critical thinking of young physicians in handling complex cases and pioneering new technologies.
Professor Jin-Lian Li from Jianyang People's Hospital shared a case titled "Beyond the Heat, Within the Temperature: Ablation of a Massive Thyroid Nodule," discussing energy control, ablation extent management, and postoperative efficacy observation during the procedure. Professor Ying-Ying Li from the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital reported on a "Comparison Between Ultrasound-Guided Microwave Ablation and Surgery for Substernal Goiters," evaluating the two regimens based on treatment pathways, trauma severity, and applicable populations. Professor Xin He from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University introduced "Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Pregnancy," focusing on treatment safety, maternal-fetal risk assessment, and precision operation strategies under special physiological states. Professor Yu-Qing Yang from the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC (Anhui Provincial Hospital) communicated her findings in a presentation titled "Preliminary Exploration of Hyperthyroidism Ablation," sharing initial practices and future investigative directions.
Young Scholars Forum Thematic Presentations
Sino-Foreign Young Scholars Forum — Roundtable Discussion
Time：May 16, 18:50—19:30
The roundtable discussion was hosted by Professor Bo Zhang from China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Professor Li-Ping Sun from Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Professor Xiu-Yun Ren from Hainan Hospital of the PLA General Hospital. The panel included Professor Xian-Quan Shi and Professor Yu-Jiang Liu from Beijing Friendship Hospital (Capital Medical University), Professor Meng Wu from Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Professor Jie Zhang from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Professor Kun Huang from the First Hospital of China Medical University, and Professor Qiao-Wei Du from Hainan Hospital of the PLA General Hospital. The participating experts engaged in an in-depth dialogue regarding the young scholars' reports, indication selection for complex cases, imaging guidance pathway design, complication prevention, efficacy follow-up, and standardized training for young physicians; during their commentary, they not only validated the clinical explorations of the young scholars but also offered constructive recommendations on study designs and technical standards.
Sino-Foreign Young Scholars Forum Roundtable Discussion and Expert Commentary
WATA Head and Neck Ablation Academic Symposium
Time： May 16, 21:00—21:40
The evening WATA Head and Neck Ablation Academic Symposium was co-chaired by Professor Ming-Bo Zhang from the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital and Professor Deng-Ke Teng from the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University. Professor Yue-Yong Xiao from the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital, Professor Fernando Walder (Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil), and Professor Yu-Kun Luo from the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital successively delivered speeches, discussing academic construction, international collaboration, standardization, and future development directions within the WATA head and neck ablation domain. Subsequently, Professor Hui Wang from the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University led a thematic exchange titled "WATA Head and Neck Ablation Academic Discussion," further consolidating the consensus among domestic and international experts and promoting the standardized dissemination and collaborative development of head and neck tumor ablation therapies on a global platform.
Afternoon Session Expert Group Photo
Morning Session on May 17
On the morning of May 17, the Head and Neck Tumor Ablation Parallel Session (Thyroid) reconvened. The opening segment was chaired by Professor Yan Zhang from the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital, with opening remarks given by Professor Yu-Kun Luo from the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital and Professor Fang Nie from the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University. The first phase of thematic reports was co-chaired by Professor Xiang Jing from Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Professor Feng-Lin Dong from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, and Professor Shi-Yan Li from Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The discussion centered on primary hyperparathyroidism, head and neck mucosal malignant melanoma, ectopic parathyroid adenomas, massive benign thyroid nodules, and the comprehensive management of adenomatoid large thyroid nodules, continuing the previous day's rigorous examination of minimally invasive treatments for thyroid and parathyroid diseases.
Session Venue
08:30—08:50 Hossam Ghazi: Current Status and Advances in Ultrasound-Guided Thermal Ablation for Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Professor Hossam Ghazi (Mansoura University, Specialized Medicine Hospital, Egypt) delivered a special report outlining the "Current Status and Advances in Ultrasound-Guided Thermal Ablation for Primary Hyperparathyroidism." Integrating the diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics of primary hyperparathyroidism, the presentation introduced the latest progress of thermal ablation in lesion localization, symptom amelioration, biochemical marker follow-up, and safety control, providing international experience for the minimally invasive treatment of this condition.
08:50—09:10 Wei Guo: Symposium - Chinese Experience in CT-Guided Cryoablation for Head and Neck Mucosal Malignant Melanoma
Professor Wei Guo from the Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, gave a special report titled "Chinese Experience in CT-Guided Cryoablation for Head and Neck Mucosal Malignant Melanoma." Focusing on this highly challenging malignancy that requires stringent local control, the report detailed the application experience of CT-guided cryoablation in lesion targeting, iceball monitoring, local control, and its integration with multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment, showcasing the clinical exploration of Chinese teams in the minimally invasive management of complex head and neck tumors.
Professor Wei Guo Delivering a Special Report
09:10—09:30 Isa Çam: Efficacy and Safety of Microwave Ablation for Ectopic Parathyroid Adenomas
Professor Isa Çam (Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Türkiye) delivered a thematic presentation on the "Efficacy and Safety of Microwave Ablation for Ectopic Parathyroid Adenomas." Addressing the difficulties in localizing ectopic parathyroid adenomas and the complexity of surgical approaches, the report introduced the clinical applications of microwave ablation in precise targeting, local inactivation, functional improvement, and complication control, highlighting the importance of preoperative imaging evaluation and postoperative biochemical marker monitoring for outcome assessment.
Isa Çam Delivering a Special Report
09:30—09:50 Carlos Neutzling Lehn: Thermal Ablation of Massive Benign Thyroid Nodules
Professor Carlos Neutzling Lehn (Hospital Servidor Público Estadual, Brazil) presented on the "Thermal Ablation of Massive Benign Thyroid Nodules," detailing preoperative imaging assessments, treatment strategy design, and key clinical decision-making points. The report analyzed the management challenges of large-volume nodules, particularly concerning the ablation zone, incremental energy delivery, local symptom relief, and long-term volume reduction, contributing valuable international experience to the thermal ablation of large nodules.
Carlos Neutzling Lehn Delivering a Special Report
09:50—10:10 Jun Luo: Preoperative Evaluation of Adenomatoid Large Thyroid Nodules and Cryo-Rotational Excision Post-Ablation
Professor Jun Luo from Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital (Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences) spoke on the "Preoperative Evaluation of Adenomatoid Large Thyroid Nodules and Cryo-Rotational Excision Post-Ablation." The presentation covered aspects including the determination of nodule characteristics, volume burden, compressive symptoms, treatment sequencing, and the management of residual tissue post-procedure, stressing the critical role of combined evaluation and staged interventions in enhancing efficacy, reducing recurrence, and improving patient experience.
Jun Luo Delivering a Special Report
Head and Neck Tumor Ablation Parallel Session (Thyroid) (Part V) (10:30—11:50)
The second phase was moderated by Professor Wen-Sheng Yue from the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Professor Bu-Yun Ma from West China Hospital of Sichuan University, and Professor Yan Zhang from the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital. The session predominantly addressed primary hyperparathyroidism associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN), tertiary hyperparathyroidism, cryoablation of massive benign thyroid nodules, and specialized center experiences with microwave ablation of thyroid nodules. The speakers engaged in thematic exchanges on the minimally invasive treatment of complex endocrine disorders and thyroid nodules, further broadening the clinical application scenarios for thyroid and parathyroid ablation therapies.
10:30—10:50 Shu-Hang Xu: Thermal Ablation for Primary Hyperparathyroidism Associated with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia
Professor Shu-Hang Xu from Jiangsu Province Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine shared his clinical practices on "Thermal Ablation for Primary Hyperparathyroidism Associated with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia." The report delved into the identification of multifocal lesions, functional lesion localization, treatment sequencing, and dynamic monitoring of endocrine parameters, emphasizing that performing ablation therapy within the context of MEN requires multidisciplinary evaluation and highly individualized decision-making.
Shu-Hang Xu Delivering a Special Report
10:50—11:10 Qiang Lu: Advances in Ablation Therapy for Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism
Professor Qiang Lu from West China Hospital of Sichuan University presented on "Advances in Ablation Therapy for Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism," detailing ablation strategies for this condition. Considering that tertiary hyperparathyroidism frequently occurs in patients with long-term chronic kidney disease and post-transplant populations, the discussion covered lesion screening, ablation margins, calcium and phosphorus metabolism follow-up, and recurrence risk management, thereby offering a novel minimally invasive paradigm for these complex cases
Qiang Lu Delivering a Special Report
11:10—11:30 Ming-Bo Zhang: Cryoablation for Massive Benign Thyroid Nodules
Professor Ming-Bo Zhang from the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital reported on "Cryoablation for Massive Benign Thyroid Nodules," introducing the research and application of this modality. The presentation explored the visualized formation of the iceball during cryoablation, thermal injury control, preservation of adjacent critical structures, and the patterns of postoperative volume reduction, thereby demonstrating the technical attributes and clinical potential of cryoablation in managing massive benign nodules.
Ming-Bo Zhang Delivering a Special Report
11:30—11:50 Erkinbek Esekeev: Microwave Ablation of Thyroid Nodules: Clinical Experience from a Specialized Center
Professor Erkinbek Esekeev (Private Clinic "Innovein", Kyrgyzstan) presented on "Microwave Ablation of Thyroid Nodules: Clinical Experience from a Specialized Center," highlighting case accumulation and workflow management within a specialized institution. The report detailed patient screening, preoperative communication, ablation pathway design, postoperative follow-up, and the management of special cases, reflecting the promotional value of microwave ablation technology in regionalized specialized healthcare.
Erkinbek Esekeev Delivering a Special Report
Morning Session Discussions
Following the thematic reports, the attending experts exchanged views on indication selection, preoperative evaluation, imaging guidance, postoperative management, efficacy follow-up, and complication prevention. During the discussions, experts synthesized clinical experiences from their respective institutions and provided multi-dimensional recommendations on standardized workflows, complex case management, and long-term follow-up systems for thyroid and parathyroid ablation therapies. The session proceeded in an orderly manner according to the agenda, collectively showcasing the clinical expertise of domestic and international experts in the field, and fostering academic exchange among different institutions regarding technical standards, therapeutic boundaries, and international cooperation.
On-site Discussion and Exchange
Conference Summary
The Head and Neck Tumor Ablation Parallel Session (Thyroid) facilitated an in-depth and continuous academic dialogue centered on clinical demands and technological advancements. The topics spanned critical aspects including diagnostic evaluation, treatment regimen selection, intraoperative safety monitoring, efficacy follow-up, complication control, and the management of complex cases, comprehensively demonstrating the latest progress of head and neck tumor ablation towards standardization, precision, and minimal invasiveness. Through thematic reports, case sharing, roundtable discussions, and academic exchanges among domestic and international experts, this parallel session further consolidated industry consensus and provided robust support for the WATA platform in advancing technological standardization, international collaboration, and clinical translation.
Group Photo of Speaking Experts
