Correlation between ultrasonographic features of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma and cervical lymph node metastasis / 中华普通外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the correlation between ultrasonographic features of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) and cervical lymph node metastasis.Methods We reviewed 575 PTMC pathologically confirmed after operation in Tianjin Cancer Hospital,analyzing the ultrasonographic characteristics of primary site and risk factors of cervical lymph node metastasis.Results The univariate analysis showed that diameter ＞ 5 mm,length over breadth ratio ＞ 1,multifocality,ill-defined margin,hypoechogenicity,micro-calcification,capsule invasion ＞ 1/4 perimeter of PTMC were significantly associated with cervical lymph node metastasis.Lower pole nodules were correlated with central lymph nodes metastasis.By multivariate analysis micro-calcification,capsule invasion ＞ 1/4 perimeter of PTMC were independent risk factors for cervical lymph node metastasis.Diameter ＞ 5 mm and micro-calcification were independent risk factors of skip metastasis of ipsilateral lymph nodes.Conclusions Micro-calcification,capsule invasion ＞ 1/4 perimeter of PTMC are independent risk factors for cervical lymph node metastasis in PTMC patients.