Correlation Analysis of Nodular Sonographic Measurements with Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Abstract Background Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common thyroid carcinoma, which is prone to cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM). We aim to analyze the correlation between clinical information, ultrasonic (US) measurements of PTC and CLNM. Methods A total of 1335 patients who underwent thyroidectomy and had pathologically confirmed unifocal PTC were enrolled in the retrospective research. Univariate analysis and logistic analysis were performed to predict CLNM in PTC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance. Results Univariate analysis showed that gender, age, tumour maximum diameter and volume, cross-sectional and longitudinal aspect ratio were related to CLNM (P<0.05). Logistic analysis showed that gender, age, tumour maximum diameter and volume were independent correlative factors. The ROC curve was established based on the correlative factors screened by regression analysis. The AUC of the tumour maximum diameter and volume was 0.738 and 0.733, respectively. ANOVA variance analysis on positive and negative group, tumour maximum diameter and volume, cross-sectional and longitudinal aspect ratio had statistical significance (P < 0.05). Conclusion Independent correlative factors for CLNM in patients with unifocal PTC were younger age, male, larger tumour. For tumour with larger volume, central, lateral or both lymph node metastasis should be checked in advance, it would rule as a guidance to perform FNA for CLNM before surgery.