Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis Differences in Patients with Unilateral or Bilateral Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma:...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) poses a risk of lymph node metastasis.
• Accurate risk stratification is crucial for guiding neck treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop quantitative models for predicting central (CLNM) and lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) in unilateral and bilateral PTMC.
• To guide individualized surgical and adjuvant treatment strategies for PTMC patients.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 717 PTMC patients from three medical centers.
• Identification of independent risk factors for CLNM and LLNM in unilateral and bilateral PTMC.
• Development of predictive models for lymph node metastasis risk.

Main Results:

• Bilateral PTMCs exhibit a significantly higher CLNM and LLNM rate compared to unilateral PTMCs.
• Identified independent risk factors for CLNM/LLNM in unilateral PTMC include age, sex, tumor diameter, capsular invasion, multifocality, and nodular goiter.
• Identified independent risk factors for CLNM/LLNM in bilateral PTMC include age, capsular invasion, multifocality, positive lymph node size, and nodular goiter.

Conclusions:

• An evaluation system based on identified risk factors for CLNM and LLNM in PTMC has been established.
• This system effectively quantifies metastasis risk, aiding in personalized treatment decisions for unilateral and bilateral PTMC.
• The evaluation system supports optimized surgical and postoperative adjuvant treatments for the neck region.