Development of a nomogram for prediction of central lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

  • 0Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China.

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Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study identified age, gender, tumor size, multifocality, and ultrasound-defined boundaries as key risk factors for central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. A predictive nomogram was developed to aid clinical management decisions regarding lymph node dissection.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Surgical Pathology

Background

  • Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common thyroid malignancy.
  • Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) presents unique diagnostic and management challenges.
  • Central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) is a significant concern in PTMC management.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the risk factors associated with CLNM in patients diagnosed with PTMC.
  • To develop and validate a predictive nomogram for assessing the probability of CLNM in PTMC.
  • To improve preoperative risk stratification and guide treatment decisions for PTMC patients.

Main Methods

  • Retrospective analysis of clinicopathological data from 377 patients with cN0 PTMC.
  • Statistical analysis using R software (Version 4.1.0) to identify risk factors.
  • Development and validation of a nomogram model for CLNM prediction, evaluated using ROC curves and calibration plots.

Main Results

  • The incidence of CLNM in the studied PTMC cohort was 31.56%.
  • Significant risk factors for CLNM included age, gender, tumor size, tumor multifocality, and ultrasound-suggested tumor boundaries.
  • The nomogram demonstrated moderate predictive ability with AUCs of 0.703 (training) and 0.656 (validation).

Conclusions

  • CLNM in PTMC is influenced by several clinicopathological factors.
  • The developed nomogram offers a valuable tool for preoperative assessment of CLNM risk.
  • Findings support personalized treatment strategies, particularly concerning central lymph node dissection in PTMC.