Clinicopathologic factors and preoperative ultra-sonographic characteristics for predicting central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a single center retrospective study

Central lymph node metastasis is associated with male gender, younger age (<45 years), extrathyroidal invasion, multifocality and lateral lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma patients. The ultrasongraphic features, such as irregular shape, ill-defined margin and calcification, may improve the efficacy of predicting central lymph node metastasis. Surgeons and radiologists should pay close attention to the patients who have these risk factors. The nomogram may help guide surgical decision making in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.