Objective To compare the therapeutic efficacy of polidocanol sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation in treatment of benign cystic thyroid nodules,and to explore the patient's preference for treatment options.Methods A total of 86 patients with benign cystic thyroid nodules(99 nodules)who underwent polidocanol sclerotherapy(70 nodules)or radiofrequency ablation(29 nodules)in Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from September 2017 to October 2023 were enrolled in the study.The nodule volume reduction rate,surgical duration,treatment cost,recurrence rate,cosmetic improvement,and incidence of major complications were compared between the groups,and the preference of patients for treatment methods was analyzed.Results Thirty eight patients were followed up for 12 months,there was no significant difference in the average volume reduction between the sclerotherapy group(n=21)and radiofrequency group(n=17)(83.5%vs 89.5%,P>0.05).The sclerotherapy group showed greater advantages over the radiofrequency group in treatment duration and costs.There were no significant differences in cosmetic scores and recurrence rates between the two groups(P=0.823 and P=0.191).No major complications occurred in both groups.Conclusion Compared to radiofrequency ablation,sclerotherapy is more cost-effective,requires a shorter treatment time,and is preferred by older patients.