Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 22, 2026
Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Visualization in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Published on: June 9, 2023
Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma with minimal extrathyroidal extension. Is its course so indolent that it requires a
J Ruiz Pardo1, A Ríos Zambudio2, J M Rodríguez González2
1Servicio de Cirugía General y de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.
Background:
Although the incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) has increased in recent decades, the role played by minimal extrathyroidal extension (mETE) in the prognosis of PTMC is still unclear. The aim of this study is to analyze the factors associated with PTMC with mETE and its long-term prognosis.
Material And Methods:
We conducted a retrospective study on patients with a histological diagnosis of PTMC. We excluded patients who had previously undergone thyroid surgery, those who had other synchronous malignancies, those with an ectopic location of the PTMC, and those lost to follow-up within two years. We compared group 1 (PTMC without extrathyroidal extension) to group 2 (PTMC with mETE) and performed a multivariate analysis.
Results:
We observed PTMC with mETE in 11.2% (n = 18) of patients. On the multivariate analysis, mETE was associated with an age ≥45 years (OR: 4.383; 95% CI: 1.051-18.283, p = .043), tumor size ≥8 mm (OR: 5.913; 95% CI: 1.795-19.481; p = .003), bilaterality (OR: 4.430; 95% CI: 1.294-15.173; p = .018) and metastatic lymph nodes (OR: 12.588; 95% CI: 2.919-54.280; p = .001). Over the mean follow-up period of 119.8 ± 65 months, one case of recurrence was detected in group 2 (0% vs. 5.6%; p = .112). No patients died of the disease. Disease-free survival was lower in group 2 (124.9 ± 5.6 vs. 97.4 ± 10.3 months; p = .034).
Conclusions:
The mETE of PTMC is a factor of worse prognosis associated with the presence of metastatic lymph nodes and a lower rate of disease-free survival.
Insights
Minimal extrathyroidal extension (mETE) in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is linked to worse prognosis. This finding highlights the importance of considering mETE in PTMC patient outcomes and management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) incidence is rising.
- The prognostic significance of minimal extrathyroidal extension (mETE) in PTMC remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with PTMC exhibiting mETE.
- To evaluate the long-term prognosis of PTMC with mETE.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of patients with PTMC.
- Comparison between PTMC without mETE and PTMC with mETE.
- Multivariate analysis to determine prognostic factors.
Main Results:
- mETE was observed in 11.2% of PTMC patients.
- Factors associated with mETE included age ≥45 years, tumor size ≥8 mm, bilaterality, and metastatic lymph nodes.
- Disease-free survival was lower in the mETE group (97.4 months vs. 124.9 months).
Conclusions:
- mETE in PTMC is a marker of worse prognosis.
- mETE is associated with metastatic lymph nodes and reduced disease-free survival.
Related Concept Videos
01:23The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
01:25Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology