Predictive Factors of Lymph Node Metastasis in Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

Background: Compared with conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), follicular variant of PTC (FV-PTC) shows less aggressive behavior and better prognosis. Nonetheless, regional lymph node (LN) metastasis was found in 22.8% of FV-PTC patients.

Patterns, Predictive Factors, and Prognostic Impact of Contralateral Lateral Lymph Node Metastasis in N1b Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

Background: Although the incidence among patients with bilateral lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) in N1b papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is reported to be as high as 40%, only a few reports have addressed the characteristics of contralateral LLNM. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the characteristics of patients with contralateral LLNM in N1b PTC.

Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed 834 patients with N1b PTC who underwent modified radical neck dissection between January 1997 and June 2015.

Should Level V Be Routinely Dissected in N1b Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma?

Background: For N1b papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients, modified radical neck dissection (MRND) encompassing levels II-V is generally recommended. However, routine level V dissection is controversial because of the low incidence of metastasis/recurrence in level V and the increased morbidities associated with level V dissection.

Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed 646 N1b PTC patients who underwent unilateral MRND between January 1997 and June 2015.

Routine Level 2b Dissection may be Recommended Only in N1b Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma with Three- or Four-Level Lateral Lymph Node Metastasis.

Background: Due to the low incidence of level 2b metastasis and the risk of spinal accessory nerve injury, previous studies have argued against routine level 2b dissection for N1b papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, other studies have suggested the importance of including level 2b during lateral neck dissection. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the necessity of routine level 2b dissection.