Lateral Cervical Lymph Node Metastases from Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Pattern of Nodal Metastases and Optimal Strategy for Neck Dissection

Background The pattern of lateral cervical metastases from papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has been reported without a clear understanding of the distribution of central nodes at risk. The present study evaluated the pattern of central and lateral cervical metastases from PTC with respect to recently defined neck sublevels and subsites. Methods Between 2003 and 2006, 52 consecutive patients with lateral cervical metastases from previously untreated PTC underwent total thyroidectomy and therapeutic comprehensive neck dissection of the central and lateral compartments, including five bilateral neck dissections. Neck dissection specimens were separately obtained for analyzing lymph node involvement with respect to neck sublevels and subsites. Results For the lateral compartment, 75.9% of cases showed metastatic disease at level IV, 72.2% at IIa and III, 16.7% at IIb, 13.0% at Vai, 3.7% at Ib and Vb, and 0% at Vas. For the central compartment, 84.6% of cases showed metastatic disease at the ipsilateral paratracheal nodal site, 46.2% at the superior mediastinal, 30.8% at the pretracheal, and 8.9% at the contralateral paratracheal site. Forty-six of 57 lateral neck dissection samples (80.7%) showed multilevel disease, and skip lateral metastasis was found in five patients (9.6%). Level I and V involvements were always associated with multilevel disease. Conclusions Lateral cervical metastasis from PTC is commonly associated with multilevel disease and central nodal involvement. Neck dissection including ipsilateral central and lateral compartments may be the optimal treatment for these patients.     

甲状腺微小乳头状癌颈部淋巴结转移的危险因素分析

目的:探讨甲状腺微小乳头状癌(PTMC)颈部淋巴结转移的危险因素。方法:回顾性分析贵州医科大学附属医院甲状腺外科2014年1月—2016年3月收治的169例PTMC患者临床病理资料。结果:169例患者均行预防性中央区淋巴结清扫,其中54例(32.0%)发生中央区淋巴结转移,单因素分析发现中央区淋巴结转移与年龄45岁、多灶性肿瘤、侵出包膜有关(均P0.05),多因素分析显示,年龄、多灶性肿瘤、侵出包膜都是中央区淋巴结转移的独立危险因素(均P0.05)。30例行中央区淋巴结加侧颈区淋巴结清扫,其中18例(10.7%)发生侧颈区淋巴结转移,单因素分析显示,肿瘤最大径、侵出包膜、多灶性肿瘤、中央区淋巴结转移与侧颈区淋巴结转移有关(均P0.05),多因素分析显示,肿瘤侵出包膜为侧颈区淋巴结转移的高危因素(P0.05);11例(6.5%)发生中央区并侧颈区淋巴结转移,侵出包膜、多灶性肿瘤为中央区并侧颈区淋巴结共同发生转移的高危因素(均P0.05)。高分辨率颈部淋巴结B超对中央区淋巴结转移的灵敏度、特异度分别为14.8%、96.5%,其对侧颈区淋巴结转移的灵敏度、特异度分别为94.4%、83.3%。结论:年龄45岁、多灶性肿瘤、侵出包膜是PTMC颈部淋巴结转移的危险因素。高分辨率颈部淋巴结B超可以作为甲状腺癌颈部淋巴结转移术前评估的重要手段。     

多灶性甲状腺微小乳头状癌临床病理特征及预防性中央区淋巴结清扫的意义

目的:探讨多灶性甲状腺微小乳头状癌(PTMC)临床病理特征及预防性中央区淋巴结清扫的意义。方法:回顾湘雅医院甲状腺外科2013年7月—2016年12月收治的270例PTMC患者资料,比较多灶PTMC与单灶性PTMC患者临床病理因素的差异,并分析多灶性PTMC中央区淋巴结转移的危险因素。结果:270例患者中共120例多灶性PTMC(44.4%)。与单灶性PTMC患者比较,多灶性PTMC患者男性比例增加、中央区淋巴结转移与包膜侵犯发生率明显升高(均P0.05)。多灶PTMC患者的肿瘤最大直径(5~10mmvs.5mm)及是否存在包膜侵犯与中央区淋巴结转移发生率有关(均P0.05),而病灶的数目(2vs.≥3)及分布(单侧vs.双侧)与中央区淋巴结的转移发生率无关(均P0.05)。结论:多灶性PTMC较单灶PTMC具有较差的临床病理特征,中央区淋巴结转移风险增加。多灶性PTMC行预防性中央区淋巴结清扫是很有必要的,尤其对于是肿瘤较大、有包膜侵犯的患者。     

Central lymph node metastases in unilateral papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

Background:

The indications for and appropriate extent of prophylactic central lymph node (CLN) dissection for clinically node‐negative patients with unilateral papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) are unknown.

Methods:

The frequency, patterns and predictive factors for CLN metastases in 86 patients with unilateral PTMC and a clinically node‐negative neck were analysed with respect to age and sex; metastasis, age, completeness, invasiveness, size (MACIS) score; tumour size; number and location of tumours; presence of ipsilateral CLN metastases; and presence of lymphovascular or capsular invasion. All patients underwent total thyroidectomy and CLN dissection.

Results:

Twenty‐seven (31 per cent) of 86 patients had metastatic CLNs: 18 ipsilateral and nine bilateral. Univariable analysis suggested male sex and tumour size greater than 0·5 cm to be significant factors in predicting ipsilateral CLN metastases. Only ipsilateral nodal positivity was a significant predictor of contralateral CLN metastases in multivariable analysis (P = 0·007).

Conclusion:

CLN metastases are relatively common in PTMC. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Localization of Cervical Node Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Precise localization of cervical node metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma is rarely described. The aim of this retrospective study was to map their cervical involvement. Between 1974 and 1996 a series of 119 patients had total thyroidectomy with bilateral cervical lymph node dissection. Patients who had secondary node dissection for a cervical recurrence were excluded. Eight node sites were distinguished (ipsilateral and contralateral): paratracheal, mid-jugular, supraclavicular, subdigastric. All pathologic specimens were reviewed by a single pathologist. Twenty-five patients had lymph node involvement clinically before surgery. Seventy-two (60.5%) had cervical metastasis (N+: node positive patients), with bilateral involvement in 28 cases. In cases of bilateral thyroid tumor localization, ipsilateral dissection designated the side with the largest nodule. The main ipsilateral involved sites were paratracheal (60 patients), mid-jugular (44 patients), and supraclavicular (26 patients). Contralateral paratracheal nodes were involved in 25 patients and mid-jugular nodes in 12. Among the N+ patients, node involvement was absent in 11 cases at paratracheal, 28 jugular, and 46 subclavicular sites. Cervical node metastases concerned 60.5% of the patients, with bilateral involvement in 40.8% of the N+ patients. Ipsilateral paratracheal and jugular sites were most frequently involved. The lateral compartment was sometimes involved independent of the central compartment.     

Prospective Outcomes of Selective Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Based on Preoperative Ultrasonography

Background  Although many patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) display associated cervical lymph node metastases (LNM), the optimal extent of lymph node dissection (LND) remains a matter of debate. Since 1993, we have performed cervical LND based on the preoperative suspicion of LNM by ultrasonography (US). We prospectively analyzed the outcomes of our “selective” LND to determine when prophylactic lateral neck dissection is advisable. Methods  Prospective analysis was conducted for 361 consecutive patients with PTC who received initial surgery between 1993 and 2001. Mean duration of follow-up was 8.1 years. Dissection of the central compartment only was performed for patients with LNM in the central zone only and for patients with no LNM detected by US (Group A). Modified radical lateral neck dissection (MND; combined with central compartment dissection) was performed for patients diagnosed with lateral neck LNM (Group B). Results  Pathological LNM was found in 136 of 231 patients in Group A (59%). As for the accuracy of US diagnosis, positive predictive value was 82%. Nodal recurrences, occurring all in the lateral cervical region associated with one case of contralateral paratracheal region, was seen in 18 patients (8%) and 10-year nodal disease-free survival was 91%. Univariate analysis revealed true positive diagnosis by US, large primary tumor (≥4 cm), primary tumor located in the upper part of the thyroid lobe, presence of distant metastasis, extrathyroidal invasion of the primary tumor, and a poorly differentiated component of the primary tumor as significant risk factors for nodal recurrence. Among the risk factors that could be diagnosed preoperatively, distant metastasis (risk ratio, 46; p = 0.01) and large primary tumor (risk ratio, 3.6; p = 0.03) were the most important factors under multivariate analysis. Of the other 130 patients in Group B, only 3 patients had no pathological LNM (positive predictive value, 98%). Twenty-six patients (20%) developed nodal recurrence, with a 10-year nodal disease-free survival of 76%. Age (50 years or older), large nodal metastasis (≥3 cm), extrathyroidal invasion, and higher serum thyroglobulin level (≥320 ng/ml) represented significant factors for nodal recurrence. Conclusions  When preoperative US shows no LNM or indicates only LNM in the central compartment, dissection of the central compartment alone offers a sufficient alternative to routine prophylactic MND. However, patients with PTC demonstrating large primary tumor and/or distant metastasis were high-risk for recurrence in the lateral cervical compartment. We recommend prophylactic MND to reduce nodal recurrence for those patients.     

Regional lymph node metastases in well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma

The status of regional lymph node metastases was assessed in 171 patients with thyroid cancer who underwent a variety of thyroidectomy procedures with regional lymph node dissection at Kanazawa University, from January 1979 to March 1986. The rates of regional lymph node metastasis in minimal and ordinary thyroid cancer were 57% and 84% respectively. Since the rates of lymph node metastasis were high not only in the central cervical compartment but also in the lateral jugular compartment, modified radical neck dissection in the ipsilateral neck is at least recommended in patients with these thyroid cancers. Furthermore, high frequencies of bilateral regional lymph node metastases were found in patients with obviously widespread involvement of the bilateral lobes, with cancer located in the isthmus, with clinically detectable bilateral or contralateral jugular lymph node metastases and with histological involvement in the contralateral paratracheal lymph nodes. Bilateral modified radical neck dissection is recommended in these patients.     

甲状腺乳头状癌术中喉前及气管前淋巴结联合冷冻病理检测的临床价值

目的:探讨甲状腺乳头状癌(PTC)术中喉前淋巴结(DLN)及气管前淋巴结(PLN)联合冷冻病理检测的临床价值。方法:收集2015年1月—2016年12月昆明医科大学第二附属医院甲状腺乳腺外科术前经细针穿刺活检明确诊断并接受首次手术治疗的245例PTC患者的临床资料,患者均行DLN与PLN术中冷冻病理检测,并根据DLN与PLN转移情况选择手术方式。结果:245例患者术中冷冻病理均发现DLN与PLN,淋巴结数目2～11枚,126例(51.43%)发现DLN与PLN转移。术后病检气管旁淋巴结转移165例,侧颈区淋巴结转移62例。76例行单侧腺叶及峡部全切+患侧中央区淋巴结清扫,42例行全甲状腺切除+患侧中央区淋巴结清扫,101例行全甲状腺切除+双侧中央区淋巴结清扫,26例行全甲状腺切除+双侧中央区淋巴结清扫+侧颈区清扫。统计分析表明包膜侵犯是DLN与PLN转移的独立风险因素(OR=9.62,P=0.021)。结论:DLN与PLN可作为PTC前哨淋巴结,其转移与气管旁淋巴结转移、侧颈区淋巴结转移密切相关。术中行DLN与PLN联合冷冻病理检测有助于选择最佳手术方式,实现对PTC更加精准的治疗。     

Extent of Thyroidectomy and Lymphadenectomy in 254 Patients With Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Single-Institution Experience

Background  No agreement has been made about the optimal extent of thyroidectomy or lymph node dissection in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Our aim was to find out the factors associated with the presence of lymph node metastases in the patients with PTMC and to discuss the extent of thyroidectomy and lymphadenectomy. Methods   A total of 254 patients with PTMC (212 women, 42 men; age 14 to 85 years, median 47 years) were treated at our institute between 1975 and 2007. Lymph node metastases were confirmed in 59 patients (23%) by histopathology. The median observation time was 56 (range, 1–397) months, and the recurrence was diagnosed in seven patients. Modified radical neck dissection and central neck dissection were performed in 55 and 30 patients, respectively. The data on the clinicopathological characteristics of patients and treatment were collected. Results  An incidental PTMC was diagnosed in 107 patients postoperatively. In none of them was a lymph node metastasis or tumor recurrence detected. Preoperatively, an overt PTMC was diagnosed in 147 patients. Clinically manifest metastases were diagnosed in 59 (40%) of them: in 51 preoperatively, and in 8 during the surgical procedure. In 147 patients who had preoperative diagnosis of PTMC, the factors that correlated (P < 0.05) with the presence of lymph node metastases were sex, age, and tumor type. Conclusions   The patients with high-risk PTMC with preoperatively confirmed lymph node metastases had a higher recurrence rate than those with low-risk PTMC without preoperatively detectable lymph node metastases; therefore, careful therapeutic node dissection is necessary in high-risk patients.     

中央区淋巴结清扫在cN0期甲状腺乳头状癌中的应用

目的 观察不同临床特点cN0期甲状腺乳头状癌患者的中央区淋巴结转移情况,探讨预防性中央区淋巴结清扫术的应用指征及手术范围。方法 回顾性分析2015年3月至2016年12月期间我院收治的93例甲状腺乳头状癌患者的病历及病理资料。分析患者性别、年龄、肿瘤大小、是否为多灶癌、肿瘤是否累及被膜等因素与中央区淋巴结转移率的关系。所有病例均行甲状腺全切除或近全切除术+患侧中央区淋巴结清扫术,并将患侧中央区标本送冰冻及石蜡病理检查,后再行对侧中央区淋巴结清扫术。观察中央区淋巴结转移情况及患侧中央区淋巴结冰冻与石蜡病理检查符合情况。结果 本组病例男性18例,女性75例;平均年龄41±13.9岁。T165例,T218例,T310例,T40例;单侧多灶癌8例;肿瘤突破甲状腺包膜9例。本组中央区淋巴结转移率为46.2%（43/93）,18.2%（17/93）为双侧中央区淋巴结转移。性别、肿瘤位置、年龄、肿瘤直径、T分期等因素与CLN转移差异无统计学意义。患侧中央区淋巴结冰冻病理检查的敏感性、特异性、准确性分别为86.0%、100%、93.5%。结论 对cN0期甲状腺乳头状癌应常规行患侧中央区淋巴结清扫术;术中冰冻检查能准确预测患侧中央区淋巴结转移状态;术中应常规行冰冻切片检查,如患侧中央区淋巴结转移时,建议行双侧中央区淋巴结清扫术。     

Pattern of Nodal Metastasis for Primary and Reoperative Thyroid Cancer

This retrospective investigation was undertaken to clarify the pattern of nodal metastasis in papillary (PTC) and medullary (MTC) thyroid carcinoma. Nodal metastases are associated with recurrence of both PTCs and MTCs. The extent of lymph node dissection is controversial owing to the lack of reliable diagnostic criteria for nodal metastases other than histopathology. Between November 1994 and October 1999 a total of 296 patients (134 PTCs, 162 MTCs) underwent total thyroidectomy in conjunction with a standard resection of at least the cervicocentral lymph node compartment. Of 10,446 sampled lymph nodes, 1641 were positive. All nodes were related to their respective cervicomediastinal compartments. The ipsilateral cervicolateral compartment was involved almost as often as the cervicocentral compartment in primary PTC (29% vs. 32%), reoperative PTC (21% vs. 37%), primary MTC (34% vs. 34%), and reoperative MTC (49% vs. 65%). The contralateral cervicolateral and mediastinal compartments were more rarely affected, and were least affected in the primary setting. From these data was derived an individualized surgical strategy for PTC and MTC. This concept rests on the joint resection of cervicocentral and ipsilateral cervicolateral compartments. Depending on tumor entity, surgical status, and primary tumor diameter, additional compartments may have to be cleared.     

Preoperative Prediction of Central Lymph Node Metastasis in Thyroid Papillary Microcarcinoma Using Clinicopathologic and Sonographic Features

Background

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinicopathologic factors and ultrasound (US) features predictive of central lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).

Methods

From March 2008 to August 2008, the clinicopathologic features and preoperative US features of 483 patients who were diagnosed with conventional PTMC were included. Medical records, US features, and pathology reports of all patients were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify clinicopathological prognostic factors associated with central LNM. Odds ratios (OR) with relative 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) were calculated to determine the relevance of all potential predictors of central LNM.

Results

Among the 483 patients with PTMC, 139 (28.8 %) patients had central LNM. The OR of significant independent factors were 2.055 (95 % CI, 1.137–3.716), 2.075 (95 % CI, 1.27–3.39), 1.71 (95 % CI, 1.073–2.724), and 15.897 (95 % CI, 4.173–60.569), respectively, for bilaterality, larger tumor size (>5 mm), extracapsular invasion, and lateral LNM. No significant association was seen among the US features of PTMC with central LNM.

Conclusions

Central lymph node metastasis in patients with PTMC was significantly associated with various clinicopathological factors, including larger tumor size (>5 mm), bilaterality, extracapsular invasion, and lateral LNM. When these features are detected on preoperative US, selective central compartment dissection may be helpful in patients diagnosed with PTMC.     

中央区淋巴结清扫用于甲状腺乳头状微小癌患者治疗中的效果

【摘要】目的探讨对甲状腺乳头状微小癌（PTMC）患者行中央区淋巴结清扫的效果。方法选择2008年4月~2011年5月在本院接受手术治疗的58例PTMC作为研究对象,将行中央区淋巴结清扫的30例患者作为观察组,将未行中央区淋巴结清扫的28例患者作为对照组,回顾性分析2组患者治疗效果。结果观察组、对照组同一侧颈部淋巴结的转移率分别为3.33%、 17.86%,观察组明显低于对照组,组间差异比较有显著性（P<0.05）;2组并发症发生率分别为23.33%、21.43%,组间比较无显著性差异（P>0.05）。结论甲状腺乳头状微小癌需要进行中央区淋巴结清扫来降低转移。     

临床颈淋巴结阴性的甲状腺癌181例治疗分析

通过对临床颈淋巴结阴性的甲状腺癌治疗结果分析,提出采用甲状腺腺叶加峡部切除加中央区颈淋巴清扫术的治疗方法可获长期治愈的结果。方法:回顾分析1985年1月至2000年6月181例临床颈淋巴结阴性的甲状腺癌采用上法治疗的结果。结果:181例病人中仅12例(6.6%)补充作了同侧的颈淋巴结清扫术;12例行颈清扫术者中有10例见淋巴结转移。结论:对临床颈淋巴结阴性的甲状腺癌可以采用甲状腺腺叶加峡部切除加中央区淋巴结清扫术,其长期疗效同传统的甲状腺癌联合根治术,但生活质量却大为提高,值得临床推广。     

Is central neck dissection necessary for the treatment of lateral cervical nodal recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma?

BACKGROUND: Although the pattern of cervical lymph node metastases from papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has been described, little is known about the pattern of lateral cervical nodal recurrence. The aim of this study was to establish the optimal strategy for neck dissection in patients who underwent reoperation for lateral cervical recurrence of PTC. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 22 patients who underwent neck dissection for lateral nodal recurrence of thyroid cancer between 2002 and 2004. Eight patients had thyroid remnants or recurrent tumors in the bed and 6 had undergone lateral neck dissection prior to referral. Patients underwent comprehensive dissection of the posterolateral and ipsilateral (n = 10) or bilateral (n = 12) central neck. The pattern of nodal recurrence and postoperative morbidity were analyzed. RESULTS: All patients had lateral compartment involvement, 91% at mid-lower, 45% at upper, and 18% at posterior sites. Central nodes were involved in 86% of patients: 82% at ipsilateral paratracheal, 32% at pretracheal, 27% at superior mediastinal, and 2 patients at contralateral sites. Skip lateral recurrence with no positive central nodes was rarely observed (14%). Postoperative vocal cord palsy (n = 1) and hypoparathyroidism (n = 5) developed only in patients undergoing bilateral central compartment dissection. CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of comprehensive ipsilateral central and lateral neck dissection in the reoperation for patients with lateral neck recurrence of PTC is an optimal surgical strategy.     

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??Over-treatment and under-treatment of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma ZHU Jing-qiang??LEI Jian-yong. Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery Center??West China Hospital of Sichuan University??Chengdu 610041??China
Corresponding author??ZHU Jing-qiang??E-mail??zjq-wkys@163.com
Abstract In recent years??the treatment for the papillary thyroid microcarcinom??PTMC??is controversial, which includes over-treatment and under-treatment in the clinical. The following protocols should be considered as “under-treatment”??ablation therapy is the first choice??against to the principle of “two at least”??for patients with proved contralateral lymph node metastasis only performed ipsilateral lobectomy and central lymph node dissection and lateral lymph node dissection??for patients with node in the contralateral lobe only performed ipsilateral lobectomy??cases should accept surgery therapy but failed??inappropriate TSH suppression therapy without evaluation and follow-up after surgery. The following protocols should be considered as “over-treatment”??PTMC with diameter less than 5 mm??without lymph node metastasis and no risk factors of capsular invasion??but accepting total thyroidectomy or unilateral/bilateral central lymph node dissection??cases have accepted lobectomy and the postoperative histological examination indicated the “accidental carcinoma”??but been advised to accept the central lymph node dissection without evidence of lymph node metastasis??PTMC patients with diameter less than 5 mm accepted surgery in the early or late pregnancy period??cases accepted over TSH suppression therapy and the follow-up less than 3 months. So the surgeon should have a correct understanding of PTMC with correct assessment??safety consideration of surgery??patients’ will and medical resources??and then make the reasonable diagnosis and treatment protocols.     

cN0甲状腺微小乳头状癌右侧喉返神经浅面及深面淋巴结转移危险因素分析

目的 探讨cN0甲状腺微小乳头状癌（PTMC）病人右侧喉返神经浅面（Ⅵa区）及深面（Ⅵb区）淋巴结转移的相关危险因素。方法 回顾性分析2012年1月至2015年2月四川大学华西医院甲状腺乳腺外科治疗的294例初诊cN0 PTMC病人的临床资料。均至少行右侧中央区淋巴结清扫。分析右侧Ⅵa区及Ⅵb区淋巴结转移的相关危险因素。结果 中央区淋巴结转移发生率为40.9%,Ⅵa区为23.5%,Ⅵb区为8.5%。浸润甲状腺被膜与Ⅵa、Ⅵb区淋巴结转移无关。右叶PTMC（193例）肿瘤直径>7 mm、气管前淋巴结转移为Ⅵa区淋巴结转移的独立危险因素,气管前、Ⅵa区淋巴结转移是Ⅵb区淋巴结转移的独立危险因素。左叶PTMC（68例）：无Ⅵb区转移者;气管前、喉前淋巴结转移是Ⅵa区淋巴结转移的独立危险因素（P<0.05）。双叶PTMC（33例）：无Ⅵa、Ⅵb区淋巴结转移相关危险因素。结论 对于cN0 PTMC病人,右叶PTMC直径>7 mm、气管前淋巴结转移,或左叶PTMC气管前、喉前淋巴结转移,建议清扫Ⅵa区淋巴结;右叶PTMC气管前、Ⅵa区淋巴结转移,建议清扫Ⅵb区淋巴结;左叶PTMC一般不发生Ⅵb区转移。     

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??Risk factors of metastasis to lymph nodes anterior and posterior to right recurrent laryngeal nerve in cN0 papillary thyroid microarcinoma PENG Dong-mei??YAN Chen??SU An-ping??et al. Department of Thyroid Surgery??West China Hospital of Sichuan University??Chengdu 610041??China
Corresponding author??ZHU Jing-qiang??E-mail??zjq-wkys@163.com
Abstract Objective To find the possible risk factors of lymph node metastasis (LNM) to the anterior(??a) and posterior(??b)to right recurrent laryngeal nerve in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Methods The clinical and pathological data of 294 initial treatment cN0 PTMC patients Who underwent at least right central lymph node dissection and conducted by the same surgeon in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2012 to February 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. The related risk factors of level ??a, ??b lympy node metastasis were analyzed. Results LNM was observed in 40.9% of patients??23.5% for level ??a??and 8.5% for level ??b. Capsule invasion was not related to level ??a, ??b LNM. Right lobe PTMC (193 patients)??Tumor diameter more than 7mm, pretracheal LNM were independent risk factors of level ??a LNM and pretracheal??level ??a LNM were independent risk factors of level ??b LNM. Light lobe PTMC (68 patients)??There was no ??b LNM. Pretracheal, prelaryngeal LNM were correlated to level ??a LNM in univariate analysis (P??0.05)??and were also independent risk factors of level ??a LNM in multivariate analysis. Both lobe PTMC (33 patients): It’s failed to find related risk factors. Conclusion In cN0 PTMC patients, right lobe PTMC diameter more than 7 mm or left lobe PTMC patients with pretracheal/prelaryngea LNM are suggested to be conducted level ??a lymph node dissection. Right lobe PTMC patients with pretracheal/prelaryngeal/level ??a LNM are suggested to be conducted level ??b lymph node dissection. Left lobe PTMC patients rardly occurs level ??b LNM.     

甲状腺微小乳头状癌过度治疗与不足

近年来,关于甲状腺微小乳头状癌（PTMC）的诊治争议越来越大,对其治疗不足和过度治疗在临床中同时存在。治疗不足包括：应手术者未行手术;首选消融治疗;违背“两个至少”的原则;对侧侧区有淋巴结转移病例仅行患侧腺叶+峡部切除术及患侧中央区+颈侧区淋巴结清扫;合并对侧叶结节的PTMC仅行腺叶切除;术后不评估、不随访、不行恰当的促甲状腺激素（TSH）抑制治疗。而过度治疗则包括：对肿瘤直径<5 mm,对侧腺叶无结节、无颈淋巴结转移、甲状腺外浸润等,以及其他甲状腺癌高危因素的病例行全甲状腺切除术+单或双侧中央区淋巴结清扫;因良性病变已行腺叶+峡部切除术,术后病理检查发现PTMC（意外癌）,无中央区淋巴结转移依据而再行中央区淋巴结清扫;对肿瘤直径<5 mm的PTMC病人于妊娠早、晚期手术;行过度的TSH抑制治疗及随访周期<3个月等。鉴于此,临床应正确认识PTMC,依据现有科学水平进行正确评估,依据手术的安全性、病人意愿及医疗资源等因素综合判断,制定合理的诊疗方案。     

Management of contralateral N0 neck in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and predictive factors of contralateral occult lymph node metastasis in squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity to form a rational basis for elective contralateral neck management. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 66 patients with cancer of the N0-2 oral cavity undergoing elective neck dissection for contralateral clinically negative necks from 1991 to 2003. RESULTS: Clinically negative but pathologically positive contralateral lymph nodes occurred in 11% (7 of 66). Of the 11 cases with a clinically positive ipsilateral node neck, contralateral occult lymph node metastases developed in 36% (4 of 11), in contrast with 5% (3 of 55) in the cases with clinically N0 ipsilateral necks (p < .05). Based on the clinical staging of the tumor, 8% (3 of 37) of the cases showed lymph node metastases in T2 tumors, 25% (2 of 8) in T3, and 18% (2 of 11) in T4. None of the T1 tumors (10 cases) had pathologically positive lymph nodes. The rate of contralateral occult neck metastasis was significantly higher in advanced-stage cases and those crossing the midline, compared with early-stage or unilateral lesions (p < .05). Patients with no evidence of contralateral nodal cancer had significantly improved disease-specific survival over patients with any pathologically positive nodes (5-year disease-specific survival rate was 79% vs. 43%, p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of contralateral occult neck involvement in the oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas above the T3 classification or those crossing the midline with unilateral metastases was high, and patients who presented with a contralateral metastatic neck had a worse prognosis than those whose disease was staged as N0. Therefore, we advocate an elective contralateral neck treatment with surgery or radiotherapy in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma with ipsilateral node metastases or tumors, or both, whose disease is greater than T3 or crossing the midline.