Risk factors for cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a study of 1,587 patients

Abstract

The present study suggested that prophylactic neck dissection of the central compartment should be considered in patients with PTMC, particularly in men with tumor size greater than 6 mm, age less than 45 years, extrathyroidal extension, and tumor bilaterality. Among patients with PTMC, <i>BRAF</i> ^V600E mutation is not significantly associated with prognostic factors. For a better understanding of surgical management of PTMC and the risk factors, we recommend multicenter research and long-term follow-up.