The BRAFT1799A mutation is not associated with occult contralateral carcinoma in patients with unilateral papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

Background: The phenomenon of occult carcinoma maybe observed in patients with clinically unilateral papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Although many studies have reported that the BRAFT1799A mutation is associated with aggressive PTMC, the relationship between BRAFT1799A mutation and occult carcinoma is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors, including BRAFT1799A mutation, for occult contralateral carcinoma in clinically unilateral PTMC accompanied by benign nodules in the contralateral lobe.

[Significance of selective neck dissection in patients with cN0 thyroid carcinoma].

Objective: To investigate the significance of selective neck dissection in patients with cN0 thyroid carcinoma who have a high-risk of lateral neck lymph node metastasis.

Methods: Sixty three patients with cN0 thyroid carcinoma who have a high-risk of lateral neck lymph node metastasis were prospectively studied at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College between August 2006 and June 2011. The patients with cN0 thyroid carcinoma easy to occur neck lymph node metastasis include: The maximum diameter of primary tumor is ≥ 2 cm; The primary tumor invaded the thyroid capsule; Lymph node metastasis in level VI is found; Lymph node enlargement in level III or/and IV were detected preoperatively by ultrasonography, but not considered as metastasis.

[Cervical lymph node metastasis in clinical N0 papillary thyroid carcinoma].

Objective: To study the patterns of cervical lymph nodes metastasis and the surgical managements of cervical lymph nodes in clinical N0 (cN0) papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Methods: Fifty-one consecutive patients with papillary carcinomas without clinical evidence of cervical lymph node involvement were included in the study between August 2007 and September 2010, in which 53 sides underwent neck lymph node dissection. Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy intra-operative hand-held gamma probe detecting and blue dye technique were used to detect the sentinel lymph node (SLN).

[Reconstruction of hypopharyngeal circumferential and cervical esophageal defects with free jejunal interposition in 112 cases].

Objective: To investigate the results of reconstruction of hypopharyngeal circumferential and cervical esophageal defects with free jejunal transfer.

Methods: Retrospective review of 112 patients who underwent pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with free jejunal interposition. Analysis was confined to the patients with advanced hypopharyngeal, esophageal or recurrent laryngeal squamous cell cancer.

[Application of internal mammary artery perforator flap for tracheostoma and anterior cervical defect].

Unlabelled: OBJECTIVE To investigate the application of pedicled internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap for tracheostoma and anterior cervical defect.

Methods: From April to December 2009, 4 IMAP flaps, based on the second internal mammary artery perforator, were used for two cases of tracheostoma and two cases of anterior cervical skin defect. The flap size was (4-7) cm x (10-13) cm.

[Central compartment lymph node metastasis in cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma].

Objective: To evaluate the incidence and the predictive factors for the metastasis of central compartment lymph nodes (level VI) in clinically node-negative (cN0) papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods: One hundred and eight patients with cN0 PTC underwent neck dissection for level VI between January 2003 and December 2006 were followed up and analyzed retrospectively. Univariate analysis with the χ² test was used to analyze the statistical correlation between central compartment lymph nodes metastasis and the other clinical factors.

[Sentinel lymph node biopsy in papillary thyroid cancer].

Objective: To investigate the reliability and feasibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) of papillary thyroid carcinoma using combination of lymphoscintigraphy, the gamma probe and methylene blue staining techniques.

Methods: Twenty-three consecutive patients with thyroid papillary carcinoma were entered in the study between August 2007 and August 2009. All cases were without clinical evidence of cervical lymph node involvement.

[Role of parathyroid hormone measurement in prediction for symptomatic hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy].

Objective: To evaluate the role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and serum calcium in prediction for hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy.

Methods: One hundred and sixty-five patients undergoing total or complete total thyroidectomy were reviewed retrospectively. The indications included bilateral carcinoma, undifferential carcinoma, surroundings invasion, distant metastasis and huge benign lesions.

[Application of an extended collar incision in neck dissection for differentiated thyroid cancer].

Objective: To explore a cosmetic incision in the neck dissection for differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Methods: An extended collar incision was used for neck dissection in 82 consecutive patients with thyroid carcinoma from May 1999 to December 2006. The incision was designed to start as a conventional thyroid collar incision, and then to extend it along the skin crease to the anterior border of trapezium, so to avoid the vertical limb of conventional hockey stick incision.