• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.1-4
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• 2016

Background and Objectives: National cancer center institute reports that male patients of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are annually increasing. This study aimed to analyze the features of the male patients with PTC. Materials and Method: We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed clinical records of 170 patients who were treated for PTC in male patients between 2000 and 2010. Clinical features, size, pathologic type, extrathyroidal extension, recurrence, multiplicity, extent of surgery, and lymph node metastasis were retrospectively evaluated.Univariate and multivariate analyses of various clinical factors were performed. Results: Total 4145 patients received surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma. The number of male patients was 170 (4.1%) among them. Of170 male patients, only 16(9.4%) patients underwent the recurrence of PTC. The size of tumor, central neck node metastasis, lateral neck node metastasis, extrathyroidal extension and RAI ablation therapy were associated with recurrence(p< 0.05) in univariate analysis. However, only the extrathyroidal extension [p=0.03, Odds ratio=3.58(95% CI. 1.09~14.24)] was related to the recurrence in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Re-estimation of clinical features in male PTC patients should be concerned. The recurrence of PTC in male patients was 16(9.4%) and nearly same as the other studies. The extrathyroidal extension was revealed as an associated factor for the recurrence. Evaluation of regional or distant metastasis should be considered in patients with the extrathyroidal extension in male PTC patients during long-term follow-up.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.10
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• pp.4211-4214
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• 2015

Background: Prognostic value of prophylactic level VII nodal dissection in papillary thyroid carcinoma has been highlighted. Materials and Methods: A total of 27 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma with N0 neck underwent total thyroidectomy with level VI and VII nodal dissection through same collar neck incision. Multicentricity, bilaterality, extrathyroidal extension, level VI and VII lymph nodes were studied as separate and independent prognostic factors for DFS at 24 months. Results: 21 females and 6 males with a mean age of 34.6 years old, tumor size was 5-24 mm. (mean 12.4 mm.), multicentricity in 11 patients 2-4 foci (mean 2.7), bilaterality in 8 patients and extrathyroidal extension in 8 patients. Dissected level VI LNs 2-8 (mean 5 LNs) and level VII LNs 1-4 (mean 1.9). Metastatic level VI LNs 0-3 (mean 1) and level VII LNs 0-2 (mean 0.5). Follow-up from 6-51 months (mean 25.6) with 7 patients showed recurrence (3 local and 4 distant). Cumulative DFS at 24 months was 87.8% and was significantly affected in relation to bilaterality (p-value <0.001), extrathyroidal extension (p-value <0.001), level VI positive ((p-value <0.001) and level VII positive ((p-value <0.001) LNs. No recurrences were detected during the follow-up period in the absence of level VI and level VII nodal involvement. Conclusions: Level VII prophylactic nodal dissection is an important and integral prognostic factor in papillary thyroid carcinoma. A larger multicenter study is crucial to reach a satisfactory conclusion about the necessity and safety of this approach.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.25 no.8
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• pp.749-755
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• 2024

The recent surge in the incidence of small papillary thyroid cancers (PTCs) has been linked to the widespread use of ultrasonography, thereby prompting concerns regarding overdiagnosis. Active surveillance (AS) has emerged as a less invasive alternative management strategy for low-risk PTCs, especially for PTCs measuring ≤1 cm in maximal diameter. Recent studies report low disease progression rates of low-risk PTCs ≤1 cm under AS. Ongoing research is currently exploring the feasibility of AS for larger PTCs (<20 mm). AS protocols include meticulous ultrasound assessment, emphasis on standardized techniques, and a multidisciplinary approach; they involve monitoring the nodules for size, growth, potential extrathyroidal extension, proximity to the trachea and recurrent laryngeal nerve, and potential cervical nodal metastases. The criteria for progression, often defined as an increase in the maximum diameter of the PTC, warrant a review of precision and ongoing examinations. Challenges exist regarding the reliability of volume measurements for defining PTC disease progression. Although ultrasonography plays a pivotal role, challenges in assessing progression and minor extrathyroidal extension underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in disease management. This comprehensive overview highlights the evolving landscape of AS for PTCs, emphasizing the need for standardized protocols, meticulous assessments, and ongoing research to inform decision-making.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.18
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• pp.8425-8430
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• 2016

Purpose: To study the safety of prophylactic level VII nodal dissection regarding hypoparathyroidism (temporary and permanent) and vocal cord dysfunction (temporary and permanent) and its impact on disease free survival. Materials and Methods: This prospective study concerned 63 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma with N0 neck node involvement (clinically and radiologically) in the period from December 2009 to May 2013. All patients underwent total thyroidectomy and prophylactic central neck dissection including levels VI and VII lymph nodes in group A (31 patients) and level VI only in group B (32 patients). The thyroid gland, level VI and level VII lymph nodes were each examined histopathologically separately for tumor size, multicentricity, bilaterality, extrathyroidal extension, number of dissected LNs and metastatic LNs. Follow-up of both groups, regarding hypoparathyroidism, vocal cord dysfunction and DFS, ranged from 6-61 months. Results: The mean age was 34.8 and 34.3, female predominance in both groups with F: M 24:7 and 27:5 in groups A and B, respectively. Mean tumor size was 12.6 and 14.7mm. No statistical differences were found between both groups regarding age, sex, bilaterality, multicentricity or extrathyroidal extension. The mean no. of dissected level VI LNs was 5.06 and 4.72 and mean no. of metastatic level VI was 1 and 0.84 in groups A and B, respectively. The mean no. of dissected level VII LNs was 2.16 and mean no. of metastatic LNs was 0.48. Postoperatively temporary hypoparathyroidism was detected in 10 and 7 patients and permanent hypoparathyroidism in 2 and 3 patients; temporary vocal cord dysfunction was detected in 4 patients and one patient, and permanent vocal cord dysfunction in one and 2 patients in groups A and B, respectively. No significant statistical differences were noted between the 2 groups regarding hypoparathyroidism (P=0.535) or vocal cord dysfunction (P=0.956). The number of dissected LNs at level VI only significantly affected the occurrence of hypoparathyroidism (<0.001) and vocal cord dysfunction (<0.001).The DFS was significantly affected by bilaterality, multicentricity and extrathyroidal extension. Conclusions: Level VII nodal dissection is a safe procedure complementary to level VI nodal dissection with prophylactic central neck dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.132-137
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• 2009

Purpose : For the past 10 years, the incidence of thyroid cancer has been rapidly increased in female population showing current incidence of 12,000 new thyroid cancer patients annually in Korea. Though differentiated thyroid cancer is known to show favorable prognosis and excellent long-term survival from slow growth and late distant metastasis, we re-evaluated prognostic factors of recurrence and mortality following surgical procedures based on our cases. Material and Methods : 954 Patients of DTC surgically treated at Department of Surgery, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital between 1980 and 2004 were reviewed in the aspects of the surgical procedures, clinical staging, risk factors, recurrence and their outcome through median follow-up period of 10.5 years. Results : Recurrence in remnant thyroid, cervical nodes, and distant metastasis were observed in 84 paients(8.8%), and 31 patients were confirmed to be died of locoregional recurrence of cancer and distant metasasis. Regarding the risk factors to recurrence, tumor size, extrathyroidal extension, nodal metastasis, and capsular invasion were significant predictors(p<0.05). Local recurrence and distant metastasis had no statistical signiicance according to age, sex, pathology, surgery, and lymphovascular invasion. Overall 10-year survival rate was 92.4%, but low, intermediate, and high-risk patient showed 100%, 94.4%, and 70.5% respectively. Conclusion : The significant factors influencing local recurrence and distant metastasis were tumor size, extrathyroidal exension, LN metastasis, capsular invasion. In order to improve survival rate of high-risk group, appropriate and aggressive management should be recommended.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.2947-2951
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• 2015

Background: The phenomenon of occult carcinoma maybe observed in patients with clinically unilateral papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Although many studies have reported that the $BRAF^{T1799A}$ mutation is associated with aggressive PTMC, the relationship between $BRAF^{T1799A}$ mutation and occult carcinoma is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors, including $BRAF^{T1799A}$ mutation, for occult contralateral carcinoma in clinically unilateral PTMC accompanied by benign nodules in the contralateral lobe. Materials and Methods: From January 2011 to December 2013, we prospectively enrolled 89 consecutive PTMC patients with clinically unilateral carcinoma accompanied by benign nodules in the contralateral lobe who received a total thyroidectomy and cervical lymph node dissection. $BRAF^{T1799A}$ mutation was tested by pyrosequencing on postoperative paraffin specimens. The frequency and predictive factors for occult contralateral carcinoma were analyzed with respect to the following variables: age, gender, family history, tumor size, presence of Hashimoto thyroiditis, extrathyroidal extension, central lymph node metastasis, multifocality of primary tumor, or $BRAF^{T1799A}$ mutation. Results: A total of 36 patients (40.4%) had occult PTMC in the contralateral lobe. The median diameter of the occult tumors was $0.33{\pm}0.21cm$. The $BRAF^{T1799A}$ mutation was found in 38 cases (42.7%). According to the univariate analysis, there were no significant differences between the presence of occult contralateral carcinoma and age, gender, family history, tumor size, presence of Hashimoto thyroiditis, extrathyroidal extension, central lymph node metastasis, multifocality of primary tumor, or $BRAF^{T1799A}$ mutation. Conclusions: Using current methods, it is difficult to preoperatively identify patients with PTMC, and further research is needed to determine predictive factors for the presence of occult contralateral carcinoma in patients with unilateral PTMC.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.10
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• pp.1187-1195
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• 2020

Objective: This study aimed to determine the sonographic features suggestive of extrathyroidal extension (ETE) of thyroid cancers. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the sonographic images of 1656 consecutive patients who had undergone thyroidectomy in 2017. The diagnostic performance of sonographic features suggestive of ETE was evaluated using operation and histopathologic reports. Sonographic features for gross ETE to the strap muscle and minor ETE were assessed for thyroid cancer abutting the anterolateral thyroid capsule. Sonographic features for tracheal invasion were assessed according to whether the angle between the tumor and the trachea was an acute, right, or obtuse angle. Sonographic features for recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) invasion were assessed based on the association between the tumor and tracheoesophageal groove (TEG) as preserved normal tissue, abutting or protruding into the TEG. Results: ETE was observed in 783 patients (47.3%), including 123 patients with gross ETE (7.4% [strap muscle, n = 97; RLN, n = 24; and trachea, n = 14]) and 660 patients with minor ETE (39.9%). Regarding the diagnosis of gross and minor ETE to the strap muscle, sonographic features of replacement of the strap muscle and capsular disruption showed the highest positive predictive value (75.9% and 58.5%, respectively). Thyroid cancer forming an obtuse angle with the trachea had the highest sensitivity for the diagnosis of tracheal invasion (85.7%), and thyroid cancer protrusion into the TEG showed the highest sensitivity for the diagnosis of RLN (83.3%). Conclusion: Sonography is considered beneficial in the diagnosis of ETE to the strap muscle, trachea, and RLN. Assessment of ETE is important for the accurate staging of thyroid cancer, which in turn determines the extent of surgery or whether active surveillance is appropriate or not.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.109-113
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• 1998

We report a 37 year-old-female patient with papillary thyroid cancer treated by surgery who demonstrated residual thyroid and bilateral breast uptake on a diagnostic I-131 whole body scan. She had an extrathyroidal extension needing I-131 ablative therapy. Her galactorrhea was investigated and treated with low doses of bromocriptine prior to I-131 therapy. Her galactorrhea was due to the decreased secretion of PIF induced by empty sella.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.2341-2344
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• 2014

Background: p53 protein expression has been detected immunohistochemically in papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC). We investigated the relations between its expression and clinicopathologic features and its significance as a diagnostic marker. Materials and Methods: We compared and evaluated 93 patients in whom thyroidectomy with lymph node dissection had been performed to treat PTC for clinicopathologic significance and 102 patients with 23 papillary thyroid overt carcinomas (POC), 57 papillary thyroid microcarcinomas(PMC), 5 follicular adenomas (FA), 5 Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and 12 nodular hyperplasias (NH) for significance as a diagnostic marker. Expression of p53 protein was evaluated immunohistochemically in sections of paraffinembedded tissue. Results: Statistical analysis showed significantly different expression of p53 in PTC versus other benign thyroid lesions (BTL).The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 85.0% and 72.7%, respectively. Overexpression of p53 protein was observed in 44 of the 93 PTC cases (47.3%), but no significant correlation between p53 protein overexpression and clinicopathologic features (age, size, multiplicity, lymph node metastasis, extrathyroidal extension and vascular invasion) was noted. Conclusions: p53 is valuable to distinguish PTC from other BTL, but there is no correlation between p53 protein overexpression and clinicopathologic features.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.75-80
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• 2012

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common thyroid cancer, accounting for 95% or more of malignancies in Korea. Recently, many thyroid cancers have been detected owing to the widespread use of ultrasonography in health surveillance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of known prognostic factors with the $BRAF^{V600E}$ mutation and its association features in Korean patients with papillary thyroid carcinomas. The $BRAF^{V600E}$ mutation was detected in 69.1% (256 of 370) of PTC cases. In univariate analysis, the $BRAF^{V600E}$ mutation was significantly associated with tumor size (p < 0.05) and sex. However, it was not significantly associated with other established risk factors, such as age, extrathyroidal extension, and lymph node metastasis. This finding supports the idea that the BRAF mutation plays a role in the early stage of PTC development. This relationship deserves further investigation to clarify whether $BRAF^{V600E}$ is a useful risk factor or prognostic marker for PTC.