ObjectiveTo explore the value of active surveillance (AS) with ultrasound for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) tumor growth.MethodsA retrospective collection of 196 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy at West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2014 to December 2018 were pathologically diagnosed as PTMC, and no cervical lymph node metastasis was found on ultrasound, and AS was performed. According to the change of the maximum diameter of the nodule, the patients were divided into the maximum diameter increase group, the maximum diameter stable group and the maximum diameter reduction group. According to the nodule volume change, the patients were divided into the volume increase group, the volume stable group and the volume reduction group. The differences in the patients’ gender, age, with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, follow-up time, tumor size, boundary, shape, echo, aspect ratio, calcifications, multifocality, bilateral involvement, other nodule, surrounding tissues and cervical lymph nodes among the different groups were analyzed in order to clarify the related factors of tumor growth.ResultsOne hundred and ninety-six patients had ultrasound AS time ranging from 6 to 79 months with the median (quartile) time were 16.0 (10.0, 30.0) months. One hundred and seventeen patients (59.7%) were in AS for 6 to 63 months with the median (quartile) time were 13.0. (8.0, 22.0), surgical treatments were performed after termination of AS. Forty-five patients (23.0%) continued to perform AS, 34 patients (17.3%) did not continue to perform AS in West China Hospital of Sichuan University. There was no significant reduction in the maximum diameter and volume of the nodules in all cases. Among them, 9 cases (4.6%) had an increase in the maximum diameter of the nodules, and 187 cases (95.4%) had a stable maximum diameter. Forty cases (20.4%) had an increase in the volume of the nodules, and 156 cases (79.6%) had a stable volume of the nodules. Comparison of the maximum diameter change of nodules between the two groups, there was a significant difference in the age of patients (P<0.05). Comparison of the maximum volume change between the two groups, there were significant differences in age, follow-up time and initial nodule volume (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that younger age was an independent risk factor for PTMC nodule growth [OR＝0.638, 95%CI (0.601, 0.675), P＝0.015].ConclusionsYounger age is a risk factor for PTMC tumor growth. We should adopt a more active monitoring program for younger patients. The increase of PTMC tumor volume can be more easily monitored than the increase of its maximum diameter, so it can be used as an indicator to predict nodule growth at an earlier stage in AS.
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of intraoperative frozen section pathology in central lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), and to analyze the risk factors of central lymph node metastasis.MethodsClinical data of 481 patients diagnosed with PTMC from January 2015 to June 2019 in our hospital were included. The consistency of frozen pathological results of intraoperative prelaryngeal lymph nodes, pretracheal lymph nodes, and paratracheal lymph nodes with postoperative paraffin pathological results, as well as the relationship between the numbers of intraoperative lymph nodes sent for examination and postoperative pathological results were analyzed. Then the Kappa value were calculated respectively. Furthermore, univariate and multivariate analysis were used to analyze the factors affecting central lymph node metastasis.ResultsCentral lymph node metastasis was found in 207 patients with PTMC (43.0%). Of the 207 patients, 192 patients were examined by frozen section, with 139 patients had positive results. The Kappa value of prelaryngeal lymph nodes, paratracheal lymph nodes, pretracheal lymph nodes, and central lymph nodes were 0.300, 0.643, 0.560, and 0.755, respectively (P<0.001). Simultaneous intraoperative examination of three anatomic lymph nodes in the central region has a high accuracy in evaluating whether there was lymph node metastasis. The consistency test between intraoperative frozen and postoperative paraffin pathological results showed that when the number of lymph nodes was less than 5, the Kappa value was 0.690 (P<0.001), and when more than or equal to 5, the Kappa value was 0.816 (P<0.001). The results of logistic regression showed that, maximum value of tumor diameter, tumor number, and thyroid capsule involvement were risk factors for central region lymph node metastasis in PTMC (P<0.05).ConclusionsCentral region lymph node metastasis in PTMC was common. Prelaryngeal lymph nodes, pretracheal lymph nodes, and paratracheal lymph nodes should be selected for frozen pathological examination during the operation, which could effectively indicate whether the central lymph nodes were involved. And combined with the risk factors of lymph node metastasis, such as maximum value of tumor diameter, number of tumors, and thyroid capsule involvement, a more accurate individualized operation plan can be designed for patients.
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 summarize the research progress in the treatment of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) , and provide rationalized treatment strategies for patients with PTMC. MethodsRetrieved and reviewed relevant literatures about the treatment of PTMC in recent years both at home and abroad. ResultsLow-risk and high-risk PTMC differ markedly in biological characteristics and prognosis and should be treated differently. For high-risk PTMC, surgery is the primary treatment, supplemented by endocrine and radioiodine therapy. Various options are available for low-risk PTMC, including surgery, active surveillance, and ablative therapy. Surgery is the preferred option with clear efficacy and diversified surgical options. However, there are surgical risks and postoperative complications. Active surveillance avoids surgical and/or postoperative complications. Thermal ablation is minimally invasive with a low impact on thyroid function. Still, both active surveillance and thermal ablation lack the results of large samples with long-term follow-up to validate effectiveness and safety. ConclusionsStratified management should be applied to PTMC. High-risk PTMC should be treated surgically. All three treatment options of low-risk PTMC have advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered in conjunction with the patients’ wishes. After careful assessments and fully informed communications with patients, doctors and patients work together to develop a rationalized and individualized PTMC treatment strategy.
ObjectiveTo summarize the latest research progress in active surveillance of low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma at home and abroad, and provide some reference for future clinical work. MethodRetrieved and reviewed relevant literatures about prospective studies on active surveillance of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.ResultsIn recent years, the incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma had increased sharply, but most of the biological activities were inert, tumor-specific mortality was very low, and only a few had progressed. For patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, surgery was a safe and effective treatment method, but due to changes in the epidemiological characteristics of the disease, people were reconsidering whether there was overtreatment in patients without high-risk characteristics. Expert consensus and guidelines no matter at home or abroad mentioned that active monitoring can be considered as an alternative to surgery. For suitable patients, active monitoring might be a better choice.ConclusionsActive surveillance for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma is basically considered to be a safe and feasible treatment option, but large numbers of clinical trials are still needed to provide evidence for the conversion of conventional clinical treatment models. In the future, by more accurately assessing the tumor progression of patients with low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, active surveillance is promising to alternate surgical treatments.
Objective
To summarize the progress of the application of ultrasound-guided thermal ablation for treatment of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).
Methods
The relevant literatures of thyroid nodules treated by ultrasound-guided thermal ablation were reviewed by adopting the methods of literature review.
Results
In conditions of grasping the therapeutic indication strictly and evaluating preoperative various aspects sufficiently, it reveals a certain feasibility and validity applying ultrasound-guided thermal ablation in the treatment of PTMC classified in the low-risk group.
Conclutions
Possessing the advantages of minimal invasive techniques, low-risks, beauty and rapidness, ultrasound-guided thermal ablation might be recommended as an alternative to a low-risk PTMC patient who is at high risk in general anaesthesia operation or intolerant to open operation.
ObjectiveTo explore the role of preoperative evaluation indicators for decision-making on treatment modalities in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) with intermediate- and high-risk. MethodThe recent pertinent literatures on studies of risk factors influencing PTMC were collected and reviewed. ResultsThe surgical treatment was advocated for the PTMC with intermediate- and high-risk. However, the intraoperative surgical resection range and the postoperative prognosis of patients were debated. The malignancy of cell puncture pathology was a key factor in determining the surgical protocol. The patients with less than 45 years old at surgery, male, higher body mass index, higher serum thyrotropin level, and multifocal and isthmic tumors, and nodule internal hypoecho, calcification, unclear boundary, and irregular morphology by ultrasound, as well as mutations in BRAFV600E and telomerase reverse transcriptase gene were the risk factors for preoperative evaluation of PTMC with intermediate- and high-risk. ConclusionsAccording to a comprehensive understanding of preoperative risk factors for PTMC with intermediate- and high-risk, it is convenient to conduct an accurate preoperative evaluation and fully grasp the patients’ conditions. Clinicians should formulate individualized surgical treatment plans for patients based on preoperative assessment and their own clinical experiences.
Objective To explore the risk factors the central cervical lymph node micrometastasis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Methods PTMC patients who underwent surgical operations in West China Hospital, Sichuan University between January 2014 and December 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. The patient did not find lymph node metastasis in the central cervical area by preoperative ultrasound. During the operation, the central cervical lymph node of the affected side was dissected or lymph node dissection in the central area of the affected side of the neck plus the lateral area of the neck. With postoperative pathology as the gold standard, patients were divided into central cervical lymph node micrometastasis group (micrometastasis group) and central cervical lymph node non-metastasis group (non-metastasis group). The differences of clinical features and ultrasonic signs between the two groups were analyzed. Results A total of 507 patients were included, including 223 (44.0%) in the micrometastasis group and 284(56.0%) in the non-metastasis group. The results of univariate analysis showed that compared with the non-metastasis group, the patients in the micrometastasis group were younger, the tumor size were higher, the proportion of male, multifocality, bilateral involvement and thyroid capsular invasion were higher. The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that lower age [odds radio (OR)=0.967, 95% confidence interval (CI)(0.949, 0.985), P<0.001], male [OR=2.357, 95%CI (1.503, 3.694), P<0.001)], a larger maximum diameter of PTMC [OR=1.232, 95%CI (1.100, 1.379), P<0.001], a larger nodule volume of PTMC [OR=1.031, 95%CI (1.008, 1.114), P=0.032], multifocal lesion [OR=2.309, 95%CI (1.167, 4.570), P=0.016] and invasion of the thyroid capsule [OR=1.520, 95%CI (1.010, 2.286), P=0.045] were independent risk factors for central cervical lymph node micrometastasis. Conclusions The patient’s male, young age, PTMC nodule with large maximum diameter and large volume, multifocal, and invasion of the thyroid membrane are risk factors for the central cervical lymph node micrometastasis of PMTC patients. These clinical and ultrasound signs can provide a theoretical basis for doctors’ clinical management decisions.
ObjectiveTo study the expressions of BRAF gene in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) >1 cm in diameter, and the invasiveness of PTMC and PTC.
MethodsThe data of 275 patients with PTC received surgical treatment and with BRAF gene mutation results in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from 2011 September to 2013 September were retrospectively analyzed. According to the size of tumors, the patients were divided into three groups, was the diameter <1 cm group, 1 cm< diameter≤2 cm group, and diameter >2 cm group,respectively. The ratio of BRAF gene mutation, and the degree of risk of extrathyroidal invasion and lymph node metastasis were compared.
ResultsUnivariate analysis showed that tumor size was not related with the age, gender, and BRAF gene mutation rate (P>0.05), while the tumor size was related with the extrathyroidal invasion and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05), and the ratio of BRAF gene mutation was related with the extrathyroidal invasion and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size was associated with extrathyroidal extension (P=0.009) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.000).
ConclusionsBRAF gene mutation can increase the extrathyroidal invasion and lymph node metastasis risk of PTC, and it is no significantly correlated with tumor size of PTC. The invasiveness of PTC increases with the increased of tumor size, but the PTMC of BRAF gene mutation positive is still require positive treatment.
ObjectiveTo explore the best timing of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) inhibition therapy by analyzing the trend of TSH level changes after unilateral thyroid lobectomy in patients with low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).MethodsThe clinical data of patients with low-risk PTMC who underwent unilateral thyroid lobectomy in the Dongfeng Hospital Affiliated to Hubei Medical College from September 2016 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The TSH of all patients were measured before operation and in month 1, 3, and 6 after operation, respectively, and the change trend was analyzed.ResultsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 271 patients with low-risk PTMC were included in this study. The TSH level in month 1 after operation was higher than that of before operation [(2.93±1.09) mU/L versus (2.05±0.76) mU/L, t=19.9, P<0.001]. Among the 129 patients with TSHlevel ≤2.0 mU/L before operation, 56.6% (73/129) of them still had the TSH level ≤2.0 mU/L in month 1 after operation, 45.0% (58/129) in month 3 after operation and 39.5% (51/129) in month 6 after operation.ConclusionsTSH level of patient with low-risk PTMC is increased after lobectomy, so individualized TSH inhibition treatment should be formulated. For patients with TSH level>2.0 mU/L before operation, oral levothyroxine sodium tablets should be taken immediately after operation. For patients with preoperative TSH level ≤2.0 mU/L, TSH level should be dynamically monitored, and whether and when to start oral TSH inhibition therapy should be decided according to results of TSH level.
