The value of nodal metastatic characteristics in predicting the distant metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma

Objective To explore the clinical value of nodal metastatic characteristics in predicting the distant metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods A total of 1 408 PTC patients who met the inclusion criteria and received initial thyroidectomy at our department from January 2006 to December 2011 were enrolled in this study. Results After a median follow-up time of 7.8 years, distant metastases developed in 46 patients. Patients with lateral neck lymph node metastasis ≥7, individual size of lateral neck lymph node metastasis ≥1.15 cm and the total number of cervical lymph node metastasis ≥9 were prone to higher risk of distant metastasis; the high risk group had a lower 10-year distant metastasis-free survival (78.7% vs. 98%, χ2=122.941, P<0.01) and a shorter distant metastasis-free survival time (99.2 M vs. 122.5 M, χ2=122.941, P<0.01). Conclusions Lateral lymph node metastasis is an independent risk factor for distant metastasis in PTC patients. Key words: Thyroid neoplasms; Carcinoma, papillary; Lymphatic metastasis; Distant metastasis