[Clinicopathological characteristics of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma and risk factors for central lymph node metastasis].

Objective: To analyze the clinicopathological characteristics of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) and risk factors for central lymph node metastasis(CLNM) in PTMC. Methods: The data of 900 patients with PTMC initially treated in our hospital from January 2004 to December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Chi-square test and Logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the risk factors for CLNM. Results: CLNM affected 162 (22.9%) of 707 patients treated with central lymph node dissection. Age, maximum tumor size, multifocality, bilaterality, and extracapsular spread (ECS) were significantly correlated with CLNM (all P<0.01). Age<45 years, maximum tumor size>5 mm, multifocality, bilaterality, and extracapsular spread were independently correlated with CLNM. Conclusion: A prophylactic central lymph node dissection should be considered in PTMC patients with age<45 years, maximum tumor size>5 mm, multifocality, bilaterality, and extracapsular spread.