Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for structural recurrence with
a focus on lymph node–related factors and to determine the optimal cutoff size of
lymph node micrometastases in patients with pathologic N1a classical papillary thyroid
carcinoma.
Methods
We included patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with central compartment lymph
node dissection for classic papillary thyroid carcinoma with pathologic N1a classification.
Results
A total of 398 patients were followed up for a median of 131 months. Structural recurrence
occurred in 17.3% of patients (69/398). The multivariate analysis reported the following
independent risk factors for structural recurrence: tumor size >1.95 cm, bilaterality,
lymphatic and/or vascular invasion, a maximum diameter of the metastatic lymph node
focus >3.5 mm, distribution of metastatic lymph node foci size >3.0 mm, and ≥4 metastatic
lymph nodes.
Conclusion
The newly proposed cutoff of 3.5 mm for a definition of lymph node micrometastasis
in pathologic N1a papillary thyroid carcinoma patients can reclassify the risk estimates
of structural recurrence, thus modifying postoperative management plans and follow-up
strategies.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 29, 2018
Accepted:
September 25,
2018
Received in revised form:
September 19,
2018
Received:
August 6,
2018
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
