Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
04:01
Transoral Robotic Total Thyroidectomy and Bilateral Central Regional Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: September 15, 2023
Central lymph node metastases in unilateral papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
The British Journal of Surgery
|February 19, 2009
Summary
Central lymph node metastases are common in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Male sex and larger tumors predict ipsilateral spread, while ipsilateral positivity predicts contralateral spread in node-negative patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Oncology
- Head and Neck Cancer Research
Background:
- Indications for prophylactic central lymph node (CLN) dissection in clinically node-negative papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) remain unclear.
- Optimal extent of CLN dissection for PTMC requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the frequency, patterns, and predictive factors of CLN metastases in clinically node-negative patients with unilateral PTMC.
- To determine risk factors associated with CLN metastasis in PTMC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 86 patients with unilateral PTMC and clinically node-negative neck.
- Evaluation of clinicopathological factors including age, sex, tumor size, and invasion.
- All patients underwent total thyroidectomy and CLN dissection.
Main Results:
- 31% of patients (27/86) had CLN metastases, with 18 ipsilateral and 9 bilateral.
- Male sex and tumor size >0.5 cm predicted ipsilateral CLN metastases.
- Ipsilateral nodal positivity was the sole significant predictor of contralateral CLN metastases.
Conclusions:
- Central lymph node metastases are relatively common in PTMC.
- Risk stratification for CLN dissection in PTMC is crucial.
- Further research needed to refine surgical management guidelines.
