Abstract:
Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) and to discuss its resection extent.
Methods The clinical data of 102 PTMC patients who received surgery between January 2006 and May 2011 were analyzed.
Result A total of 67 patients underwent lobectomy, 34 underwent contralateral lobectomy, and 1 received total thyroidectomy. Moreover, 39 patients underwent functional neck dissection, and 63 underwent lymph-node dissection. Follow-up was done after 5 years, and three patients experienced recurrence.
Conclusion Ultrasound helped in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. All PTMCs should be treated with lobectomy and lymph-node dissection, whereas some cases of clinical lymph node enlargement should be treated via functional neck dissection.