Evaluation of the risk factors of metastasis to central cervical lymph nodes in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Background: Papillary thyroid cancer, comprising 80% of thyroid malignancies in iodine-sufficient areas, can be effectively treated if detected early before metastasis. Cervical lymph nodes are a common site of metastasis, prompting some surgeons to suggest prophylactic dissection in all patients. To minimize potential side effects, this study aims to identify patients benefiting from this procedure by assessing risk factors for central lymph node metastasis.