Introduction.

Papillary thyroid microcarcinomas are tumors up to 10 mm in greatest diameter. Its treatment is subject of debate, and it is proposed from clinical follow-up to early surgical intervention. The aim of the study was to identify risk factors related to lymph node involvement, which allow a better selection of patients in our setting, in whom immediate surgical management or active surveillance is proposed, in accordance with the classification of risk of progression.

Methods.

Ambispective analytic cohort study that included patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma who underwent thyroidectomy and central dissection. The population was characterized and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to define preoperative factors associated with lymph node involvement. Additionally, eventual assignment to progression risk groups, according to the Miyauchi criteria, and their nodal state were evaluated.

Results.

286 patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma were included. Among them, 48.9% had lymph node disease, and 33.5% had a significant lymph node disease that increased their relapse risk classification. Of the latter, 59.5% could have had a conservative treatment, under Miyauchi’s criteria. For ages < 55 years old, suspect nodes in ultrasound and nodules > 5 mm were identified as related to significant lymph node involvement.

Discussion.

Immediate surgical management appears to be an appropriate option for patients with suspected lymph node involvement on preoperative ultrasound, patients younger than 55 years and nodules larger than 5 mm. It is possible that the current criteria for defining active surveillance do not adequately select patients in our setting.

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