[Risk factors of level Ⅵ lymph node metastasis in cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma]

Abstract

Objective:To study the risk factors related to level Ⅵ lymph node metastasis in clinical N0 (cN0) papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Method:A total of 107 cases with cN0 PTC treated in the same group were analyzed retrospectively. The frequency and risk factors for level Ⅵ lymph node metastasis in these patients were analyzed. Result:Level Ⅵ lymph node metastasis existed in 51.40% (55/107) cases. In univariate analysis, level Ⅵ lymph node metastasis was associated with age (χ²＝9.090,P<0.01), gender (χ²＝5.061,P<0.05), tumor maximum diameter (χ²＝8.772,P<0.01), tumor multifocality (χ²＝8.120,P<0.01), capsular invasion (χ²＝4.960,P<0.05), and surrounding tissue invasion (χ²＝3.858,P<0.05), but not with nodular goiter or Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that age,tumor maximum diameter, multifocal tumors and surrounding tissue invasion were independent risk factors for level Ⅵ lymph node metastasis. Conclusion:A high risk level Ⅵ lymph node metastasis exists in DTC with clinical N0. Prophylactic level Ⅵ neck dissection is strongly recommended in patients with PTC who are younger, tumor size more than 2 cm, multifocal tumor and surrounding tissue invasion.

Keywords: carcinoma, papillary; lymph node metastasis; thyroid neoplasms.