The synergic effect of BRAF mutation and multifocality on central lymph node metastasis in unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential synergic effect of BRAF mutation and multifocality on central lymph nodes metastasis (CLNM) in the patients with unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). We enrolled 413 patients with unilateral PTCs who accepted prophylactic unilateral or bilateral central lymph node dissection (LND). Univariate and multivariate analyses were made to determine the association between related factors and CLNM.