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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
ObjectiveTo study the expressions of BRAF gene in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) >1 cm in diameter, and the invasiveness of PTMC and PTC. MethodsThe data of 275 patients with PTC received surgical treatment and with BRAF gene mutation results in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from 2011 September to 2013 September were retrospectively analyzed. According to the size of tumors, the patients were divided into three groups, was the diameter <1 cm group, 1 cm< diameter≤2 cm group, and diameter >2 cm group,respectively. The ratio of BRAF gene mutation, and the degree of risk of extrathyroidal invasion and lymph node metastasis were compared. ResultsUnivariate analysis showed that tumor size was not related with the age, gender, and BRAF gene mutation rate (P>0.05), while the tumor size was related with the extrathyroidal invasion and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05), and the ratio of BRAF gene mutation was related with the extrathyroidal invasion and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size was associated with extrathyroidal extension (P=0.009) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.000). ConclusionsBRAF gene mutation can increase the extrathyroidal invasion and lymph node metastasis risk of PTC, and it is no significantly correlated with tumor size of PTC. The invasiveness of PTC increases with the increased of tumor size, but the PTMC of BRAF gene mutation positive is still require positive treatment.
ObjectiveTo investigate the risk factors for neck lymph node metastasis (LNM) in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, analyze the diagnostic value of high resolution ultrasonography in lateral neck LNM, and evaluate the safety of lymph node dissection. MethodsThe clinical data of 284 patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma from Janaury 2004 to June 2010 in this hospital were analyzed retrospectively. ResultsNeck LNMs were found in 83 of 284 patients (29.2%), only central LNMs in 63 of 284 patients (22.2%), skip LNMs (only lateral LNMs) in 6 of 284 patients (2.1%), and both central and lateral LNMs in 14 of 284 patients (4.9%). Age lt;45 years, multifocality, tumor diameter ≥5 mm, and extrathyroidal invasion were the risk factors for LNM (Plt;0.05), and no risk factor for skip LNM was found. Patients underwent central and lateral lymph node dissection had longer postoperative hospital stay than those without dissection or with central lymph node dissection only (Plt;0.05). Both parathyroid gland and recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries were temporary postoperatively. There were no differences in injury rate among three methods (Pgt;0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, false negative rate, and false positive rate of high resolution ultrasonography for only lateral neck LNM were 95.0%, 75.0%, 5.0%, and 25.0%, repectively. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 90.5% and 85.7%, respectively. ConclusionsTotal thyroidectomy should be performed in patients with risk factors for LNM, and simultaneous central lymph node dissection is safe. High resolution ultrasonography is of great value in diagnosing skip LNM, and functional lymph node dissection also should be applied in patients who are highly suspected to have skip LNM.
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.