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 evaluate the risk factors for central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) of cN0 staging. MethodsClinical data of 94 patients with cN0 PTC in Guangdong General Hospital who underwent thyroidectomy with prophylactic central node dissection (pCND) from March to July in 2014 were collected to analyze the risk factors of CLNM by using univariate and multivariate analysis methods. ResultsCLNM was found in 43 patients (45.7%). Multivariate analysis results showed that, the CLNM rate of patients with age < 45 years, tumor located in front of lobe by ultrasound, diameter of tumor > 2 cm, capsular invasion, and total number of central lymph node dissected > 3 were significantly higher (P < 0.05). ConclusionAge < 45 years, tumor located in front of lobe by ultrasound, and diameter of tumor > 2 cm are the risk factors of CLNM in patients with cN0 PTC, pCND should be performed for patients with some of the above risk factors.