ObjectiveTo investigate the role of intraoperative frozen section pathology in central lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), and to analyze the risk factors of central lymph node metastasis.MethodsClinical data of 481 patients diagnosed with PTMC from January 2015 to June 2019 in our hospital were included. The consistency of frozen pathological results of intraoperative prelaryngeal lymph nodes, pretracheal lymph nodes, and paratracheal lymph nodes with postoperative paraffin pathological results, as well as the relationship between the numbers of intraoperative lymph nodes sent for examination and postoperative pathological results were analyzed. Then the Kappa value were calculated respectively. Furthermore, univariate and multivariate analysis were used to analyze the factors affecting central lymph node metastasis.ResultsCentral lymph node metastasis was found in 207 patients with PTMC (43.0%). Of the 207 patients, 192 patients were examined by frozen section, with 139 patients had positive results. The Kappa value of prelaryngeal lymph nodes, paratracheal lymph nodes, pretracheal lymph nodes, and central lymph nodes were 0.300, 0.643, 0.560, and 0.755, respectively (P<0.001). Simultaneous intraoperative examination of three anatomic lymph nodes in the central region has a high accuracy in evaluating whether there was lymph node metastasis. The consistency test between intraoperative frozen and postoperative paraffin pathological results showed that when the number of lymph nodes was less than 5, the Kappa value was 0.690 (P<0.001), and when more than or equal to 5, the Kappa value was 0.816 (P<0.001). The results of logistic regression showed that, maximum value of tumor diameter, tumor number, and thyroid capsule involvement were risk factors for central region lymph node metastasis in PTMC (P<0.05).ConclusionsCentral region lymph node metastasis in PTMC was common. Prelaryngeal lymph nodes, pretracheal lymph nodes, and paratracheal lymph nodes should be selected for frozen pathological examination during the operation, which could effectively indicate whether the central lymph nodes were involved. And combined with the risk factors of lymph node metastasis, such as maximum value of tumor diameter, number of tumors, and thyroid capsule involvement, a more accurate individualized operation plan can be designed for patients.
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 explore the risk factors the central cervical lymph node micrometastasis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Methods PTMC patients who underwent surgical operations in West China Hospital, Sichuan University between January 2014 and December 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. The patient did not find lymph node metastasis in the central cervical area by preoperative ultrasound. During the operation, the central cervical lymph node of the affected side was dissected or lymph node dissection in the central area of the affected side of the neck plus the lateral area of the neck. With postoperative pathology as the gold standard, patients were divided into central cervical lymph node micrometastasis group (micrometastasis group) and central cervical lymph node non-metastasis group (non-metastasis group). The differences of clinical features and ultrasonic signs between the two groups were analyzed. Results A total of 507 patients were included, including 223 (44.0%) in the micrometastasis group and 284(56.0%) in the non-metastasis group. The results of univariate analysis showed that compared with the non-metastasis group, the patients in the micrometastasis group were younger, the tumor size were higher, the proportion of male, multifocality, bilateral involvement and thyroid capsular invasion were higher. The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that lower age [odds radio (OR)=0.967, 95% confidence interval (CI)(0.949, 0.985), P<0.001], male [OR=2.357, 95%CI (1.503, 3.694), P<0.001)], a larger maximum diameter of PTMC [OR=1.232, 95%CI (1.100, 1.379), P<0.001], a larger nodule volume of PTMC [OR=1.031, 95%CI (1.008, 1.114), P=0.032], multifocal lesion [OR=2.309, 95%CI (1.167, 4.570), P=0.016] and invasion of the thyroid capsule [OR=1.520, 95%CI (1.010, 2.286), P=0.045] were independent risk factors for central cervical lymph node micrometastasis. Conclusions The patient’s male, young age, PTMC nodule with large maximum diameter and large volume, multifocal, and invasion of the thyroid membrane are risk factors for the central cervical lymph node micrometastasis of PMTC patients. These clinical and ultrasound signs can provide a theoretical basis for doctors’ clinical management decisions.
Objective The present study is to compare the quality of life and anxiety of patients with low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma who received different managements to guide clinical therapy and nursing. Methods Thiswas a cohort study. Patients with low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma were divided into observation group (puncture confirmed only) and surgery group (confirmed and surgery) according to their wishes, and patients’ survival quality and state of anxiety were compared by using Short-Form 36 Health Survey Scale (SF-36) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) between the 2 groups during the follow up period. Results There was no significant difference in physical component summary (PCS) score between the 2 groups and different observation time points (P>0.05). The mental component summary (MCS) scores and SF-36 scores of the observation group and the surgery group were different (P<0.05), and the MCS scores and SF-36 scores were different at different time points (P<0.05). The HAMA scores of patients in the observation group and the surgery group were different (P<0.001), and the change of HAMA scores in the observation group and the surgery group were different (P=0.004), but the HAMA scores at different time points were similar (P=0.152). Conclusion Surgery can effectively reduce the anxiety and improve the MCS score and quality of life.
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.
ObjectiveTo use real-world data from a large sample of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) in the SEER database to investigate the impact of delayed treatment on survival outcomes. MethodsA total of 40 761 patients with PTMC eligible for the study from the SEER database of the National Cancer Institute of the United States during 2000–2019 were selected as the study objects and divided into 3 groups according to the different delayed treatment time (0, 0–6 months, >6 months). Kaplan-Meir method was used to plot the survival curve and calculate 5-year cumulative disease-specific survival (DSS) rate and overall survival (OS) rate. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the relationship between delayed treatment time, DSS and OS in PTMC patients and the influencing factors of prognosis. ResultsAmong the 40 761 patients, 7 575 (18.58%) were males and 33 186 (81.42%) were females, most of whom were females. The patients ranged in age from 3 to 97 years old [ (51.1±13.9) years old], of which 24 043 (58.99%) were <55 years old and 16 718 (41.01%) were ≥55 years old. Received treatment immediately after diagnosis in 30 823 patients (75.62%), 9 734 patients (23.88%) received treatment within 6 months after diagnosis, 204 patients (0.50%) received treatment 6 months after diagnosis. There were significant differences in age, sex, race, lymph node stage, radiotherapy, surgical method, number of lesions and invasion of thyroid capsule among the 3 groups (P< 0.001). The survival analysis results of the 3 groups showed that the delayed treatment time had no effect on DSS and OS of PTMC patients (P>0.05). The multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis results showed that the patient’s age ≥55 years old, male, married, lymph node metastasis, radiotherapy, total thyroidectomy and thyroid capsule invasion were the risk factors affecting DSS and OS in PTMC patients (P<0.05), while delayed treatment was not risk factors for DSS and OS in PTMC patients (P>0.05). ConclusionDelayed treatment is not an independent risk factor for DSS and OS in patients with PTMC, and active monitoring is a safe alternative to surgery for some PTMCS.
ObjectiveTo summarize the latest research progress in active surveillance of low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma at home and abroad, and provide some reference for future clinical work. MethodRetrieved and reviewed relevant literatures about prospective studies on active surveillance of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.ResultsIn recent years, the incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma had increased sharply, but most of the biological activities were inert, tumor-specific mortality was very low, and only a few had progressed. For patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, surgery was a safe and effective treatment method, but due to changes in the epidemiological characteristics of the disease, people were reconsidering whether there was overtreatment in patients without high-risk characteristics. Expert consensus and guidelines no matter at home or abroad mentioned that active monitoring can be considered as an alternative to surgery. For suitable patients, active monitoring might be a better choice.ConclusionsActive surveillance for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma is basically considered to be a safe and feasible treatment option, but large numbers of clinical trials are still needed to provide evidence for the conversion of conventional clinical treatment models. In the future, by more accurately assessing the tumor progression of patients with low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, active surveillance is promising to alternate surgical treatments.
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.
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.