Predicting lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma with Hashimoto's thyroiditis using regression and...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Lymph node metastasis (LNM) in concurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) requires further investigation.
• Understanding factors influencing LNM severity is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze factors associated with LNM in patients with concurrent PTC and HT.
• To explore the relationship between LNM severity indicators and associated factors using advanced analytical methods.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 571 patients with PTC and HT who underwent total thyroidectomy.
• Univariate analysis, regression modeling, and network analysis were employed.
• Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) assessed model reliability.

Main Results:

• Age, calcification, free triiodothyronine (FT3), and tumor maximum diameter (TMD) were independent factors for LNM.
• Free thyroxine (FT4) and hemoglobin (Hb) were protective factors for LNM region and quantity, respectively.
• TMD was an independent risk factor for LNM severity, with a closer relationship identified via network analysis.

Conclusions:

• Combined regression and network analysis provide novel insights into LNM factors in PTC and HT patients.
• This study offers a theoretical basis for predicting preoperative LNM, aiding clinical decision-making.