Multicentric Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and its Association With Lymph Node Metastases

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) multicentricity's prognostic value is debated.
• This study examines the link between PTC multicentricity and lymph node metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between tumor multicentricity and lymph node metastases in papillary thyroid carcinoma.
• To evaluate multicentricity as an independent predictor of lymph node involvement.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 1037 papillary thyroid carcinoma patients.
• Clinical and histopathological data, including tumor multicentricity and lymph node status, were analyzed.
• Statistical analysis using chi-squared tests and odds ratios.

Main Results:

• Multicentricity was found in 48.8% of patients and significantly associated with lymph node metastases (OR=2.32).
• Bilateral multicentricity showed a strong association with nodal involvement (OR=16.73).
• Multicentricity independently predicted lymph node metastases after multivariable analysis (aOR=2.19).

Conclusions:

• Multicentric PTC is strongly associated with cervical lymph node metastases and capsule invasion.
• Multicentricity should be considered a significant prognostic factor for risk stratification.
• Findings inform treatment decisions, including extent of thyroidectomy and neck dissection.