Objective To explore the predictive value of CT signs combined with clinicopathological features for single cN0 papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) central lymph node metastasis (CLNM). Methods A retrospective analysis of the CT signs and clinicopathological characteristics of 115 cases of single cN0 PTMC confirmed by surgery and pathology was performed, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between the contact between tumor and thyroid edge, tumor calcification, tumor location, tumor diameter, age, gender, thyroglobulin level and CLNM. According to the different contact range between tumor and thyroid edge in CT signs, the patients were divided into three groups: <1/4 group, 1/4–<1/2 group and ≥1/2 group. The proportion of CLNM positive patients in different contact areas between tumor body and thyroid edge was analyzed by using χ2 test. Results Among 115 cases of single cN0 PTMC, there were 26 cases and 89 cases with CLNM positive and negative, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that contact between tumor body and thyroid edge, tumor diameter, age, and gender were associated with CLNM positive (P<0.05). Further multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that thyroid marginal contact, age <45 years old and male were associated with CLNM positive (P<0.05). The proportion of CLNM positive patients in different contact areas between tumor body and thyroid edge (between the three groups ) was statistically different (P<0.05). The pairwise comparison among the three groups showed that the proportion of CLNM positive patients were statistically different (P<0.0167 after correction). Conclusions Tumor body contact with thyroid edge, age <45 years and male were independent risk factors for CLNM in patients with single cN0 PTMC. The combination of multiple risk factors can further improve the preoperative evaluation level of CLNM in patients with PTMC. Excluding clinical characteristic factors, the wider the contact area between the tumor and the thyroid edge, the higher the risk of CLNM, which provides a reasonable basis for selective central lymph node dissection.
Objective To summarize the latest research progress on the relationship between cN0 multifocal papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) and central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) at home and abroad, so as to provide a reference for surgeons to balance the benefits and risks of surgery and select the best treatment plan. Method The latest studies on the relationship between CLNM and tumor characteristics of cN0 multifocal PTMC (including number of tumor foci, total tumor diameter, primary tumor diameter, total tumor surface area, etc.) were reviewed. Results Current domestic and international guidelines differ on whether cN0 PTMC should be used to prevent central lymph node dissection (pCLND). Proponents believe that pCLND could reduce the recurrence rate of disease and facilitate postoperative risk stratification and management under the premise of technical support. Opponents argue that it was not clear whether pCLND actually improves the prognosis of PTMC patients, but postoperative complications do correlate with pCLND. In order to guide the application of pCLND in the surgical treatment of cN0 PTMC, a large number of studies had reported the risk factors of CLNM in PTMC in recent years, among which multifocal was considered to be a very important risk factor for CLNM. In order to further understand the internal relationship between multifocal PTMC and CLNM, scholars at home and abroad quantified the feature of multifocal PTMC into various parameters, and studied the relationship between them and CLNM in multiple dimensions. It was found that total tumor diameter >1 cm, increased tumor number, total tumor surface area >3.14 cm2, diameter ratio <0.56, tumor volume >90 mm3 and bilateral multifocal PTMC might be the risk factors for increased CLNM risk in patients with cN0 multifocal PTMC. Conclusion These screened parameters are initially considered to be effective tools for predicting the risk of CLNM in multifocal PTMC. Multiple risk parameters coexist, especially in patients with multifocal PTMC characterized by bilateral intralar multifocal PTMC, who are expected to benefit more from pCLND. However, a large number of clinical studies are still needed to provide reliable evidence-based evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment. In the future, by combining these valuable parameters, a scoring system can be constructed to predict the disease status of multifocal PTMC more accurately and identify patients with necessary pCLND, which will be of great significance for the appropriate treatment of PTMC.
ObjectiveTo investigate the risk factors of cervical lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) with clinical lymph node metastasis negative (cN0).MethodThe clinicopathologic data of patients with cN0 PTMC who underwent at least one lobectomy plus central lymph node dissection in this hospital from January 2013 to December 2018 were retrospectively collected and the risk factors of lymph node metastasis were analyzed.ResultsA total of 1 821 patients with cN0 PTMC were enrolled in this study. The results of postoperative pathology showed there were 837 (46.0%) cases with lymph node metastasis, in which of 805 (44.2%) cases with central lymph node metastasis; 252 (33.1%) had lateral lymph node metastasis among 761 patients underwent lateral lymph node dissection. The results of univariate analysis showed that male, age <55 years old, tumor diameter ≥5 mm, bilateral cancer, capsule invasion, and multiple foci were associated with lymph node metastasis of cN0 PTMC (P<0.05). Further binary logistic regression multivariate analysis results showed that these factors (except multiple foci) were the independent risk factors of lymph node metastasis of cN0 PTMC (P<0.05). While the results found that the risk of lateral lymph node metastasis was increased with the increasing of the number of central lymph node metastasis in patients with cN0 PTMC (P<0.05).ConclusionsCervical lymph node metastasis of cN0 PTMC is related to many factors, and central lymph node metastasis indicates a higher risk of lateral lymph node metastasis. For patients with risk factors, preventive central lymph node dissection should be given at the first surgery and decided whether to perform lateral lymph node dissection according to the intraoperative situation.
ObjectiveTo explore the best timing of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) inhibition therapy by analyzing the trend of TSH level changes after unilateral thyroid lobectomy in patients with low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).MethodsThe clinical data of patients with low-risk PTMC who underwent unilateral thyroid lobectomy in the Dongfeng Hospital Affiliated to Hubei Medical College from September 2016 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The TSH of all patients were measured before operation and in month 1, 3, and 6 after operation, respectively, and the change trend was analyzed.ResultsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 271 patients with low-risk PTMC were included in this study. The TSH level in month 1 after operation was higher than that of before operation [(2.93±1.09) mU/L versus (2.05±0.76) mU/L, t=19.9, P<0.001]. Among the 129 patients with TSHlevel ≤2.0 mU/L before operation, 56.6% (73/129) of them still had the TSH level ≤2.0 mU/L in month 1 after operation, 45.0% (58/129) in month 3 after operation and 39.5% (51/129) in month 6 after operation.ConclusionsTSH level of patient with low-risk PTMC is increased after lobectomy, so individualized TSH inhibition treatment should be formulated. For patients with TSH level>2.0 mU/L before operation, oral levothyroxine sodium tablets should be taken immediately after operation. For patients with preoperative TSH level ≤2.0 mU/L, TSH level should be dynamically monitored, and whether and when to start oral TSH inhibition therapy should be decided according to results of TSH level.
ObjectiveTo analyze the predictive factors for central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), and explore the treatment method for the patients with PTMC. MethodThe literatures were reviewed according to the results searched from PubMed in recent years. ResultsCentral lymph node metastases were common in the patients with PTMC. It was important for prophylactic central lymph node dissection so it might reduce the local recurrence and comfirm the clinical staging, further more provide the strategies for the postoperative therapy. ConclusionsLymphadenectomy is necessary for patients with lymph node metastasis. Prophylactic central lymph node dissection should be performed for patients without lymph node metastasis but with one risk factor or more.
ObjectiveTo explore the value of active surveillance (AS) with ultrasound for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) tumor growth.MethodsA retrospective collection of 196 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy at West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2014 to December 2018 were pathologically diagnosed as PTMC, and no cervical lymph node metastasis was found on ultrasound, and AS was performed. According to the change of the maximum diameter of the nodule, the patients were divided into the maximum diameter increase group, the maximum diameter stable group and the maximum diameter reduction group. According to the nodule volume change, the patients were divided into the volume increase group, the volume stable group and the volume reduction group. The differences in the patients’ gender, age, with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, follow-up time, tumor size, boundary, shape, echo, aspect ratio, calcifications, multifocality, bilateral involvement, other nodule, surrounding tissues and cervical lymph nodes among the different groups were analyzed in order to clarify the related factors of tumor growth.ResultsOne hundred and ninety-six patients had ultrasound AS time ranging from 6 to 79 months with the median (quartile) time were 16.0 (10.0, 30.0) months. One hundred and seventeen patients (59.7%) were in AS for 6 to 63 months with the median (quartile) time were 13.0. (8.0, 22.0), surgical treatments were performed after termination of AS. Forty-five patients (23.0%) continued to perform AS, 34 patients (17.3%) did not continue to perform AS in West China Hospital of Sichuan University. There was no significant reduction in the maximum diameter and volume of the nodules in all cases. Among them, 9 cases (4.6%) had an increase in the maximum diameter of the nodules, and 187 cases (95.4%) had a stable maximum diameter. Forty cases (20.4%) had an increase in the volume of the nodules, and 156 cases (79.6%) had a stable volume of the nodules. Comparison of the maximum diameter change of nodules between the two groups, there was a significant difference in the age of patients (P<0.05). Comparison of the maximum volume change between the two groups, there were significant differences in age, follow-up time and initial nodule volume (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that younger age was an independent risk factor for PTMC nodule growth [OR＝0.638, 95%CI (0.601, 0.675), P＝0.015].ConclusionsYounger age is a risk factor for PTMC tumor growth. We should adopt a more active monitoring program for younger patients. The increase of PTMC tumor volume can be more easily monitored than the increase of its maximum diameter, so it can be used as an indicator to predict nodule growth at an earlier stage in AS.
Objective To discuss the relationship between thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and clinicopathologic features of the papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) patients. Methods The thyroid nodules of 806 cases retrospectively that were for the first time hospitalized to our department in recent 5 years were collected, among them, postoperative pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of PTMC in 403 cases, 403 cases of benign thyroid lesions, the history data of selected cases that meet the criterion of selection were retrospectively analyzed. TSH and anti thyroid globulin antibody (TGAb) levels between the 2 groups and the prevalence of ratio of PTMC in different TSH levels were compared. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to determine the risk factors of PTMC. Results The differences of preoperative TSH levels between the two groups was statistical significance (Z=–6.233,P=0.001), gender composition no statistical significance in two groups (χ2=3.246,P=0.072), and age was statistically significant (Z=–5.855,P=0.001). The constitution of ethnics of two groups was different (χ2=38.961,P=0.001). Logistic regression analysis display that age and TSH level were the independent risk factors of PTMC (age:OR=0.914,P=0.027; TSH:OR=4.662,P=0.008). Conclusions The level of serum TSH in PTMC patients is higher than in patients with benign thyroid nodules. TSH level is probably predictive of malignancy of PTMC.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of lymph node dissection in central region on the prognosis of cN0 papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).MethodsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 300 patients with cN0 PTMC underwent operation in the Second Department of General Surgery of Zhongshan People’s Hospital from January 1, 2007 to May 31, 2016 were retrospectively collected, then who were divided into the central lymph node non-dissection (147 cases) and dissection (153 cases) groups according to whether central lymph node dissection or not. The differences in the incidence of postoperative complications, recurrence rate, and metastasis rate between the two groups were analyzed. The risk factors of central lymph node metastasis of cN0 PTMC were analyzed.ResultsAll patients had no postoperative lymphatic leakage and death. Fifty-nine (38.6%) cases had the lymph node metastasis in the patients with central lymph node dissection. The patients were followed up for (83.0±20.7) months and (79.5±26.2) months (t=1.283, P=0.203) of the non-dissection group (147 cases) and dissection group (153 cases), respectively. During the follow-up period, there was no distant metastasis such as bone metastasis and lung metastasis in both groups; 5 cases recurred in the non-dissection group, 1 case recurred in the dissection group, and there was no significant difference in the recurrence rate between the two groups (χ2=3.008, P=0.089). There was no permanent complications between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the disease-free survival curve (χ2=2.565, P=0.109) between the two groups. The incidence of capsule invasion (P=0.026), calcification (P<0.001), hoarseness (P=0.013), numbness of limbs (P<0.001) in the dissection group were significantly higher than those in the non-dissection group. The results of multivariate analysis showed that the multifocal (OR=24.57, P<0.001), tumor diameter >5 mm (OR=5.46, P=0.019), and capsule invasion (OR=9.42, P=0.002) were the independent risk factors for the lymph node metastasis in the central region.ConclusionsFrom the results of the study, thyroidectomy alone is safe for cN0 PTMC, but the changes of lymph nodes in the central region still need more long-term follow-up. cN0 PTMC patients with tumor diameter >5 mm, multifocal, and capsule invasion are more likely to have lymph node metastasis in the central region. Comprehensive evaluation can be made according to the patient’s condition, and individualized and precise treatment can be carried out.
Objective To summarize the progress of the application of ultrasound-guided thermal ablation for treatment of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Methods The relevant literatures of thyroid nodules treated by ultrasound-guided thermal ablation were reviewed by adopting the methods of literature review. Results In conditions of grasping the therapeutic indication strictly and evaluating preoperative various aspects sufficiently, it reveals a certain feasibility and validity applying ultrasound-guided thermal ablation in the treatment of PTMC classified in the low-risk group. Conclutions Possessing the advantages of minimal invasive techniques, low-risks, beauty and rapidness, ultrasound-guided thermal ablation might be recommended as an alternative to a low-risk PTMC patient who is at high risk in general anaesthesia operation or intolerant to open operation.
ObjectiveTo explore the role of preoperative evaluation indicators for decision-making on treatment modalities in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) with intermediate- and high-risk. MethodThe recent pertinent literatures on studies of risk factors influencing PTMC were collected and reviewed. ResultsThe surgical treatment was advocated for the PTMC with intermediate- and high-risk. However, the intraoperative surgical resection range and the postoperative prognosis of patients were debated. The malignancy of cell puncture pathology was a key factor in determining the surgical protocol. The patients with less than 45 years old at surgery, male, higher body mass index, higher serum thyrotropin level, and multifocal and isthmic tumors, and nodule internal hypoecho, calcification, unclear boundary, and irregular morphology by ultrasound, as well as mutations in BRAFV600E and telomerase reverse transcriptase gene were the risk factors for preoperative evaluation of PTMC with intermediate- and high-risk. ConclusionsAccording to a comprehensive understanding of preoperative risk factors for PTMC with intermediate- and high-risk, it is convenient to conduct an accurate preoperative evaluation and fully grasp the patients’ conditions. Clinicians should formulate individualized surgical treatment plans for patients based on preoperative assessment and their own clinical experiences.