Central Neck Dissection Research Articles

Risk Factors for Right Paratracheal Posterolateral Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Cancer.

The incidence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is increasing, and due to the favorable postoperative survival rates, the extent of surgery should be carefully determined, and complications during the operation should be avoided. The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) divides the right paratracheal lymph node (RPTLN) into anteromedial and posterolateral compartments due to its anatomical course on the right and left sides of the neck, and the posterolateral lymph nodes are in close proximity to the RLN. Due to the risk of this complication, in this study, we aimed to determine the risk factors for the development of right paratracheal posterolateral lymph node (RPTPLLN) metastasis in PTC. Between 2013 and 2022, patients who underwent central neck dissection (CLND) or central and lateral neck dissection due to the presence of PTC in the right lobe of the thyroid gland were included in the study. Descriptive data, along with preoperative imaging findings and postoperative pathology findings, were retrospectively evaluated. The data of 55 patients who met the criteria were statistically analyzed. Of these patients, 24 (43.6%) were male and 31 (56.4%) were female. The mean age was 47.9±17.5 years (range: 16-81). The mean tumor size was 2.17±1.43 cm (range: 0.4-7.0). RPTPLLN was observed in 13 patients (23.6%). Univariate analysis revealed that extrathyroidal extension (p=0.008), lymphovascular invasion (p=0.044), presence of right paratracheal anteromedial (RPTAMLN) metastasis (p=0.001), and presence of left paratracheal metastasis (p=0.049) were statistically significant factors. However, in the multivariate analysis, only the presence of RPTAMLN was determined to be a significant variable (p=0.035). In patients undergoing surgery for PTC, the risk of metastasis in the RPTPLLN should be considered higher when there is metastasis in the RPTAMLN. We believe that formal dissection of the RPTLN should be considered for optimal evaluation in patients with tumors in the right lobe where central dissection is planned. Posterolateral dissection (PLD) should be routinely performed in the presence of clinical lymph nodes in the RPTAMLN. When a decision cannot be made, PLD may not be performed if the anteromedial tissue is examined with frozen pathology and the result is negative.

Prognostic factors for aggressiveness in subcentimeter papillary thyroid carcinoma: impact of tumor size and lymph node metastases.

Subcentimeter papillary thyroid carcinoma (sPTC), also known as papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, is associated with a good prognosis and low mortality risk. However, some sPTCs exhibit biologically aggressive characteristics. The aim of this study was to identify factors affecting the prognosis and aggressiveness of sPTC by considering the demographic characteristics of patients with sPTC and the pathologic characteristics of the tumors. The study included 255 patients aged ≥ 18 years who were operated on at Ondokuz Mayis University, Faculty of Medicine (Samsun, Turkey) between June 2008 and December 2021. All patients had histopathologic confirmation of sPTC (≤10 mm) and underwent regular follow-up for at least 36 months. The tumors had a mean size of 5 mm (0.1-10 mm) and were multifocal in 53.7% of patients. Capsular invasion was observed in 9% of patients. Vascular invasion, lymphatic invasion, and extrathyroidal invasion were present in 2%, 5.5%, and 0.8% of patients, respectively. Metastatic cervical lymph nodes were observed in 9.4% of patients. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, tumor size (odds ratio [OR] 1.380, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.106-1.722, p = 0.004) and sex (OR 4.233, 95% CI 1.355-13.226, p = 0.013) were the main predictive factors influencing lymph node metastasis. Tumors > 5 mm, compared with tumors ≤ 5 mm, had higher rates of multifocality (p = 0.009), parenchymal invasion (p = 0.008), calcifications (p = 0.001), microscopic lymphatic invasion (p = 0.002), and presence of metastatic lymph nodes (p < 0.001). The findings of this study highlight important factors to consider in making decisions about prophylactic central compartment neck dissection in patients with sPTCs, particularly those with clinically node-negative tumors.

Intraoperative Parathyroid Gland Identification Using Autofluorescence Imaging in Thyroid Cancer Surgery with Central Neck Dissection: Impact on Post-Operative Hypocalcemia.

Hypoparathyroidism is the most frequent complication in thyroid surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of intraoperative parathyroid gland identification, using autofluorescence imaging, on the rate of post-operative (PO) hypoparathyroidism in thyroid cancer surgery. Patients undergoing total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection from 2018 to 2022 were included. A prospective cohort of 77 patients operated on using near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF+) with the Fluobeam® (Fluoptics, Grenoble, France) system was compared to a retrospective cohort of 94 patients (NIR-). The main outcomes were the rate of PO hypocalcemia, with three cutoffs: corrected calcium (Cac) < 2.10 mmol/L, <2.00 mmol/L and <1.875 mmol/L, and the rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism, at 12 months. The rate of PO Cac < 2.10 mmol/L was statistically lower in the NIRAF+ group, compared to the control group (36% and 60%, p = 0.003, respectively). No statistically significant difference was observed for the other two thresholds. There was a lower rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism in the NIRAF+ group (5% vs. 14% in the control group), although not statistically significant (p = 0.07). NIRAF is a surgically non-invasive adjunct, and can improve patients' outcomes for thyroid cancer surgery by reducing post-operative temporary hypoparathyroidism. Larger prospective studies are warranted to validate our findings.

Central Neck Lymph Node Size Measured by Ultrasound Significantly Predicts Central Neck Lymph Node Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether Central lymph node (CLN) size as measured by an ultrasound can significantly predict CLN metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Materials and methods: This retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with PTC who underwent ultrasound and central neck dissection (CND). We excluded patients who received previous thyroid surgery or radiation. We analyzed the correlation between CLN size and characteristics by ultrasound and histopathologic findings among positive CLN patients. Results: Of the 48 patients who underwent preoperative ultrasound and CND, 34 patients had positive CLN identified by ultrasound. The positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ultrasound in this diagnostic setting was 88.0%, 21.0%, 73.2%, 42.9%, and 68.7%, respectively. The risk of CLN metastasis of PTC was 67.7% and 85.7% for lymph node size 3.1 to 4 mm and 4.1 to 5 mm, respectively. The risk increased to 100% when the lymph node size was >5 mm. Positive preoperative ultrasound of lateral neck lymph node was found to be a significant risk factor for CLN metastasis (P = .003). Conclusion: Ultrasound was found to be an effective preoperative evaluation in patients with PTC to determine the likelihood of CLN metastasis and whether CND is indicated, especially in the ultrasound-positive central lymph node. A high risk of metastasis was found in CLN size >3 mm by ultrasound, and the risk dramatically increased in CLN size >5 mm. We also found positive lateral neck node from preoperative ultrasound to be a significant risk factor for CLN metastasis.

Drainless thyroid surgeries including goiter or central neck dissection: a case-control study.

Despite ample of evidence regarding feasibility of simple drainless thyroid surgeries, the evidence of feasibility of such procedures in goiters and central neck dissections remains limited. Patients undergoing total thyroidectomy (TT) between January 2017 and July 2022 were included. The study included two study groups: drainless TT with central neck dissection (CND) and drainless TT due to goiter, which were compared to two controls: non-goiter drainless TT and drained TT for goiter or with CND. Main outcome was post-operative seroma rate. 156 patients met the inclusion criteria for each of the group. No significant differences between groups were found for permanent hypocalcemia, and other complications. Post-operative seroma was found in nine patients (5.8%), all from study groups. No significant differences between groups were found for local infections, aspirations, post-discharge drain insertion. Complex drainless thyroid surgeries, including goiter and CND, are feasible and do not seem to significantly increase rate of post-operative seromas or infections.

Comparison of Various Thyroidectomy Approaches: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study.

To avoid anterior neck scarring, numerous remote-access techniques to approach the thyroid gland (Remote access approach) have been described, including the transaxillary approach (TA), bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA), and transoral robotic thyroidectomy (TORT). Popular worldwide, Remote access approachs have unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Herein, we investigated the characteristics of these distinct thyroidectomy approaches to aid surgeons in selecting the most appropriate method for patients. In total, 2351 cases of patients who underwent thyroidectomy between 2019 and 2021 were reviewed, including 1973, 281, 66, and 31 patients who underwent the conventional transcervical approach (TCA), TA, BABA, and TORT, respectively. Demographic characteristics, outcomes, and complications associated with these procedures were compared. The data were analyzed using the Student t test and the χ 2 test. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used if normality was not found. Central lymph nodes (LNs) were retrieved mostly in patients who underwent lobectomy through TORT (mean: 9.4, P < 0.001). Metastatic central LNs were found more frequently (mean: 1.9 in lobectomy, 3.7 in total thyroidectomy) in patients who underwent lobectomy through TCA and TORT than in those who underwent lobectomy through other approaches (mean: 1.4 and 2.4, respectively, P < 0.05). BABA group patients had significantly fewer central LNs retrieved than those in other groups in lobectomy and total thyroidectomy (mean: 4.8 and 6.2, respectively, P < 0.05). Stimulated thyroglobulin levels did not differ among the 4 groups. The incidence of transient vocal cord palsy was statistically higher in the BABA group (5 cases, 7.5%) than in the other groups; however, all patients recovered. No difference was found in permanent vocal cord palsy (0.4% in TCA) or hypoparathyroidism (1.3% to 3.1%) among the 4 groups. The tumor size was significantly larger in the BABA group than in the other groups, with 10.6% of the patients having tumors larger than 4 cm. Total thyroidectomy was performed more frequently in the BABA group (51.8%) than in the other groups ( P = 0.005). The path of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve was more evident in TA, and the Cernea type was confirmed and preserved in 90.6% of TA cases. Owing to the differences in working space and direction of the surgical field, TA was advantageous for preserving the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, whereas BABA was effective for total thyroidectomy and excision of large goiters. TORT was beneficial for central compartment neck dissection. These characteristics should be considered when choosing the best approach to improving cosmesis, function, and recurrence.

Intraoperative frozen section for determining the extent of surgery in papillary thyroid carcinoma: comprehensive risk factor assessment.

There is much debate on the optimal treatment approach of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Different guidelines base recommendations on various risk factors. While diagnosing the various risk factors is difficult due to the technical limitations, intraoperative frozen section (IFS) may be a feasible method. We aim to real-time evaluate the multiple risk factors, including lymph node metastasis (LNM), extrathyroidal extension (ETE), multifocality using IFS, and then identify a more effective surgical plan, which may help avoid the need for a second surgery and improve prognosis of patients. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 364 patients from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. All the patients were initially recommended to undergo a hemithyroidectomy (HT) with isthmusectomy and ipsilateral central compartment neck dissection (CCND). IFS would be executed immediately. Further total thyroidectomies (TTs) would be performed if: (I) results of IFS showed >5 LNM, or (II) there are 1≤ LNM ≤5 but with ETE and/or multifocal carcinoma. The patients were divided and investigated according to the extent of surgery. Based on the results of IFS, 72 patients underwent TT. The TT group displayed larger average tumor diameter, greater age, higher average body mass index (BMI), and elevated incidence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia compared to the HT group. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of IFS were 77.61%, 100%, 100%, and 88.46%, respectively. IFS is a highly reliable procedure. Comprehensively evaluating central compartment LNM, ETE, and multifocal carcinoma through IFS helps identify a more reasonable surgical option under the current clinical consensus, which may thus help avoid the need for a second surgery.

Bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) robotic neck dissection for papillary thyroid carcinomas

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), the most commonly diagnosed thyroid malignancy, frequently presents with lymph node metastases. Effective management of metastatic lymph nodes is crucial due to the disease's high recurrence rates. Herein, we present our approach to robotic thyroidectomy and central/lateral neck node dissection, which has shown comparable oncologic outcomes, reduced complications, and improved cosmetic results compared to open surgeries. We detail the surgical procedure, from patient positioning and flap dissection, through central and lateral neck dissection, to closure. The BABA robotic modified radical neck dissection (MRND) is primarily recommended for patients with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma, predominantly PTC, presenting with suspected or pathologically confirmed lateral neck metastasis. We also discuss the application of the da Vinci robot settings in performing precise procedures and preserving critical anatomical structures. This comprehensive review provides insights into the effectiveness of BABA robotic thyroid surgery and central/lateral neck node dissection in managing PTC.

Long-term impact of prophylactic central neck dissection in non-invasive classic papillary thyroid carcinoma

BackgroundThe utilization of prophylactic central neck dissection (pCND) in cases of non-invasive clinical node-negative (cN0) papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains a topic of debate, with a dearth of long-term evidence. Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 1181 cN0 PTC patients from 1997 to 2011. Of these, 641 underwent pCND (pCND + group) and 540 did not (pCND-group). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to identify similar patients. Event-free survival and long-term complications including permanent hyperparathyroidism and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralysis were analyzed after PSM. ResultsThe pCND + group had more aggressive characteristics. In the matched cohort after PSM, the 5-year, 10-year, and 15-year EFS rates were 98.9 %, 98.2 %, and 97.1 % for the pCND + group, and 97.7 %, 97.1 %, and 97.1 % for the pCND-group, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in EFS rates between the two groups (Log Rank P = 0.38). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of permanent hyperparathyroidism (3.3 % vs. 1.5 %, P = 0.08) and permanent RLN paralysis (1.7 % vs. 0.9 %, P = 0.13) between the pCND+ and pCND– groups. ConclusionOur study, with a median follow-up duration of 107 months, indicates that pCND does not lead to a significant reduction in nodal recurrence among non-invasive cN0 PTC patients.

Risk factors for central lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma: a retrospective study.

Thyroid cancer is the most prevalent endocrine malignancy, with its global incidence increasing annually in recent years. Papillary carcinoma is the most common subtype, frequently accompanied by cervical lymph node metastasis early on. Central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) is particularly the common metastasis form in this subtype, and the presence of lymph node metastasis correlates strongly with tumor recurrence. However, effective preoperative assessment methods for CLNM in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remain lacking. Data from 400 patients diagnosed with PTC between January 1, 2018, and January 1, 2022, at the Shandong Provincial Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. This data included clinicopathological information of the patients, such as thyroid function, BRAF V600E mutation, whether complicated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and the presence of capsular invasion. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the risk factors associated with cervical CLNM in patients with PTC. Subsequently, a clinical prediction model was constructed, and prognostic risk factors were identified based on univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified that age >45 years (P=0.014), body mass index ≥25 (P=0.008), tumor size ≥1 cm (P=0.001), capsular invasion (P=0.001), and the presence of BRAF V600E mutation (P<0.001) were significantly associated with an increased risk of CLNM. Integrating these factors into the nomogram revealed an area-under-the-curve of 0.791 (95% confidence interval 0.735-0.846) and 0.765 (95% confidence interval: 0.677-0.852) for the training and validation sets, respectively, indicating strong discriminative abilities. Subgroup analysis further confirmed that patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma and BRAF V600E mutations who underwent therapeutic central compartment neck dissection had significantly better 3-year disease-free survival than those who had prophylactic central compartment neck dissection (P<0.001). The study revealed that age >45 years, body mass index ≥25, tumor size ≥1 cm, BRAF V600E mutation, and capsular invasion are the related risk factors for CLNM in patients with PTC. For patients with clinically nodal-negative (cN0) papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, accurately identifying the BRAF V600E mutation is essential for guiding the central lymph node dissection approach and subsequent treatments.

Central node dissection from the perspective of lateral neck node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma

ObjectivesControversy exists on how to handle central lymph nodes in papillary thyroid carcinoma, particularly regarding indications for prophylactic central neck dissection (CND). Central node metastases are more difficult to diagnose preoperatively than lateral node metastases. MethodsWe enrolled 493 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma treated at our department in the past 22 years. Metastatic lymph nodes were diagnosed preoperatively mainly by ultrasonography. In principle, CND was performed for all cases; ipsilateral CND was performed for hemithyroidectomy, and bilateral CND was performed for total thyroidectomy. Lateral neck dissection (levels II to V; LND) was performed for metastases to lateral neck lymph nodes (clinical node (cN) 1b). ResultsThe cN stage was cN0 in 365 patients, cN1a in 10, and cN1b in 118. Of the 357 patients with stage cN0 who underwent CND, 42.9 % had pathologically positive nodes (pN+) in level VI, and of the 118 with stage cN1b who underwent CND, 78.0 % had pN+ in level VI. Cases with advanced T stage were significantly more common with pN+ in level VI. Level VI metastases were significantly associated with pN+ in level IV. As the total number of pN+ at each level of the lateral neck increased, the rate of patients with pN+ in level VI increased, and in patients with 3 or more pN+, about 85 % had level VI metastases. ConclusionBecause about half of the patients with cN0 patients had pN+ in level VI, and the rate of pN+ in level VI in each clinical T stage was 46 to 65 %, prophylactic CND should be performed, considering the various clinical benefits. Central nodes will have metastases in about 80 % of cases with lateral node metastases, requiring more accurate dissection. In lateral node metastases, there is a significant association between metastases in levels IV and VI.

Prognostic impact of lymph node characteristics after therapeutic neck dissection for classic N1 papillary thyroid cancer.

The impact of lymph node characteristics on mortality and recurrence remains controversial. This study evaluated the prognostic impact of lymph node characteristics in a large, homogenous cohort of patients with therapeutic neck dissection for clinically N1 classic papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). All consecutive adult patients with therapeutic central and lateral neck dissection for PTC at a French referral centre were prospectively enrolled from January 2000 until June 2021. The primary outcome was the impact of lymph node characteristics in predicting a disease event (persistence or recurrence), using univariable and multivariable logistic regression modelling. A total of 462 patients were included. Lymph node capsular rupture was seen in 260 patients (56.3 per cent). Median maximum lymph node size was 15 (i.q.r. 9-23) mm. The median central, lateral, and total lymph node ratio (LNR) was 0.50 (i.q.r. 0.22-0.75), 0.15 (i.q.r. 0.07-0.29), and 0.26 (i.q.r. 0.14-0.41), respectively. After a median follow-up of 93 (i.q.r. 50-149) months, 182 (39.4 per cent) patients had a disease event. After multivariable analysis, the number of harvested lymph node >35 (OR 2.33 (95 per cent c.i. 1.10-4.95)), presence of lymph node capsular rupture (OR 1.92 (1.17-3.14)), and total LNR >0.20 (OR 2.37 (1.08-5.19)) and >0.40 (OR 4.92 (1.61-15.03)) predicted a disease event. An LNR of 0.20 predicted a disease event with a sensitivity of 80.8 per cent and a specificity of 50.4 per cent. Disease persistence or recurrence after thyroidectomy with therapeutic neck dissection for classic PTC with preoperative nodal disease appears to depend on number of harvested lymph node, presence of lymph node capsular rupture, and total LNR.

New insights into histopathological features of Warthin-like papillary thyroid carcinoma

Background. The Warthin-like variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (WLPTC) is a rare papillary thyroid carcinoma that is considered to be a subtype of the oncocytic variant. Purpose of the study: to present the diagnostic and clinical features, the oncological and surgical management of a patient with WLPTC as well as its discussion with other relevant studies. Materials and methods. We report a case of Warthin-like papillary thyroid carcinoma in a 31-year-old woman with Hashimoto thyroiditis. Results. The patient was admitted to the hospital with the presence of a node in the thyroid gland. Thyroid ultrasound showed a 24-mm nodule with oval shape and irregular contours in the left lobe. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed, and a diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma was made. The patient underwent thyroidectomy, bilateral modified and central neck dissection, lymphadenectomy. Histopathological examination suggested a WLPTC coexisting with chronic thyroiditis, metastases to the lymph nodes 2, 3, 4 on the left and 6 neck compartments. The patient underwent postoperative I131 ablation therapy. Conclusions. WLPTC is a recently described variant of papillary thyroid cancer that is frequently associated with lymphocytic thyroiditis. The correct cytological and histomorphological features are of utmost importance to render the diagnosis of WLPTC for better management. A surgical and postoperative treatment is identical to that in classic differentiated thyroid cancer, having a favorable outcome due to a low recurrence rate. A surgical management should be thyroidectomy and dissection of central neck compartment as well as lateral dissection in cases of suspicions for metastases in the lymph nodes or metastases confirmed preoperatively by a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

A propensity score matching analysis of gasless endoscopic transaxillary thyroidectomy with five-settlement technique versus conventional open thyroidectomy in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

In a previous study, we proposed a novel anatomy-based five-settlement method for transaxillary endoscopic thyroidectomy (fs-TAT) for patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma. The safety of this new method has been reported in a retrospective study of a single cohort. The safety and short-term oncological outcome of this method was confirmed by comparing it with conventional open surgery (COT) in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. The medical records of patients who underwent fs-TAT or COT by a single surgeon from February 2019 to December 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were diagnosed with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma and underwent lobectomy and ipsilateral central compartment neck dissection. Propensity score matching was used to compare the technical safety and short-term oncologic outcomes of fs-TAT and COT for the purpose of reducing potential selection bias. Reporting was consistent with the STROCSS 2021 guidelines. After propensity score matching, 460 (fs-TAT: 230; COT: 230) patients remained in the study population. There were no significant differences in sex, age, tumor size, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or tumor multifocality between the groups. The operative time was longer [104.5 (90.3, 120.0) vs. 62.0 (52.0, 76.0), P < 0.001] and the total postoperative drainage volume [135(90, 210) vs. 75 (55, 115), P < 0.001] was greater in the fs-TAT group than in the COT group. However, intraoperative bleeding [3.0 (2.0, 5.0) vs. 5.0 (5.0, 7.5), P < 0.001] was greater, and the median number of lymph nodes yielded [5.0 (2.3, 8.0) vs. 7.0 (5.0, 11.0), P < 0.001] was greater in the COT group than in the fs-TAT group. The groups exhibited no significant difference in the rate of complications (fs-TAT: 2.2% vs. COT: 2.6%, P = 0.856), rate of positive lymph nodes (fs-TAT: 32.2% vs. COT: 36.5%, P = 0.377), length of postoperative hospital stay (3days vs. 3days, P = 0.305) or total medical costs (26,936 vs. 26,549, P = 0.144). Compared to conventional open surgery, fs-TAT offered excellent safety and acceptable short-term oncological outcomes in a selected cohort of patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

Outcomes of Central Neck Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in Primary Versus Revision Setting.

Surgery in the central compartment after previous thyroidectomy involves an increased risk of injury to critical organs, including the parathyroids and recurrent laryngeal nerve. Contrastingly, primary central neck dissection involves a relatively low operative risk. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of central neck dissection in primary versus revision settings with respect to the lymph node yield and complication rates. This single-center prospective study included patients who underwent primary or revision neck dissection surgery for histologically confirmed thyroid malignancy between January 2018 and January 2022. We included 30 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with primary central neck dissection and 29 patients who underwent central neck dissection following remote thyroidectomy with or without previous central dissection. There was no significant between-group difference in postoperative complications, including permanent hypocalcemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. However, both groups showed a significant postoperative decrease in calcium levels even though calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were within reference range. Although many surgeons fear revision central neck dissection, it appears to have similar therapeutic outcomes and complication rates as primary neck dissection for papillary thyroid cancer. Specifically, there were no between-group differences in the lymph node yield, hypoparathyroidism, or recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis. Patients with normocalcemia showed a significant postoperative reduction in calcium levels, suggesting subclinical parathyroid insufficiency.

Sporadic noninvasive medullary thyroid neoplasm: A desmoplasia-negative unifocal nonmetastatic tumor cured by hemithyroidectomy

BackgroundThe absence of primary tumor desmoplasia, a marker of node metastases, on frozen section may help reduce the extent of surgery without compromising the biochemical cure. We aimed to clarify whether hemithyroidectomy with diagnostic ipsilateral central neck dissection can replace total thyroidectomy with routine central neck dissection in patients with sporadic medullary thyroid cancer. MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated data collected from patients who had undergone primary neck surgery for hypercalcitoninemic sporadic medullary thyroid cancer between January 2017 and December 2022 at one institution. ResultsOf the 25 patients we examined, 19 had desmoplasia-negative and 6 desmoplasia-positive primary thyroid tumors on frozen section. The desmoplasia-negative patients had undergone less surgery with fewer nodes removed than the desmoplasia-positive patients (medians of 6 vs 31 nodes, P < .001). The desmoplasia-negative patients had predominantly undergone hemithyroidectomy with ipsilateral central neck dissection. None of the desmoplasia-negative tumors was multifocal (0 of 19 desmoplasia-negative vs 2 of 6 desmoplasia-positive or 0% vs 33%, P = .050) or node-positive (0 of 19 vs 6 of 6 patients or 0% vs 100%; medians of 0 vs 3.5 node metastases; both P < .001). Despite limited surgery, all desmoplasia-negative patients attained and maintained biochemical cure. ConclusionHemithyroidectomy combined with diagnostic ipsilateral central neck dissection is a viable risk-reducing and curative strategy for desmoplasia-negative and node-negative, nonmetastatic unifocal tumors, for which we propose the term sporadic noninvasive medullary thyroid neoplasm (SNMTP).

SAT208 Hypercalcemic Crisis In Metastatic Parathyroid Carcinoma: An Unusual Presentation Of A Rare Endocrine Disease

Abstract Disclosure: A. Barnett: None. T. Sliker: None. R.J. Harper: None. G. Elshimy: None. Introduction: Hypercalcemia can be life-threatening with a wide differential, including parathyroid carcinoma (PC), which accounts for only 0.005% of all malignancies in the U.S. Maintaining an index of suspicion for PC in PTH-mediated hypercalcemia is vital for improving long-term survival and outcomes. Frozen section can be misleading when PC is suspected. We describe a case of hypercalcemia due to recurrent metastatic PC 9 years after initial diagnosis. Case: A 57-year-old male presented for endophthalmitis and altered mentation. Records revealed primary hyperparathyroidism with calcium 11.7 mg/dL, PTH 337 (11.1-79.5pg/mL), and 24-hour urine calcium 810 mg/day. Sestamibi showed right lower parathyroid adenoma and a possible right upper parathyroid adenoma. Right superior parathyroidectomy revealed PC invasive into adipose tissue, increased vascularity and positive margins. A hemithyroidectomy and central neck dissection was performed with intraoperative report noting normal-appearing right inferior parathyroid affixed to thyroid, confirmed by frozen section biopsy. The right inferior parathyroid was minced and re-implanted into the right strap muscle. Patient did not return for follow-up. Recent admission labs showed calcium 15.2 mg/dL, ionized calcium 6.8 (4.5-5.3mg/dL), PTH 546 pg/mL, creatinine 1.54 mg/dL, 25-OH vitamin D 21.64 ng/mL, and phosphorus 1.9 mg/dL. He was treated with intravenous fluids, zoledronic acid, and calcitonin. Due to a high suspicion of locally recurrent or metastatic PC, further imaging obtained. A Neck CT and US showed no abnormalities of right surgical bed or cervical lymphadenopathy. Sestamibi revealed a right lower lung lobe nodule, measuring 2.3cm, with intense immediate and delayed uptake concerning for metastatic or primary lung neoplasm and mild focal retention in the right paratracheal region, suspicious for tumor recurrence. PTHrP was negative. He underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic right lower lobectomy that showed an ovoid, well-circumscribed 2.5 x 2.3 x 2.3cm tumor, which stained positive for PAX-8 and synaptophysin, consistent with PC. Discussion: Clinicians should suspect PC in cases with severe hypercalcemia or absolute PTH above 500mg/dL to allow for better surgical planning. Complete en bloc resection is the standard treatment to improve long-term outcomes and reduce disease recurrence. Diagnosis of PC following incomplete surgical resection has increased recurrence rates of greater than 50%. Our patient’s recurrence was 9 years after diagnosis, but most recurrences occur within 2-3 years and occasionally more than 20 years later. The ipsilateral parathyroid was re-implanted based on frozen section results in this patient, which may have been misleading. Frozen sections of parathyroid tissue are notoriously difficult to distinguish normal parathyroid versus PC and only diagnostic in 15% of cases as described in one case series. To reduce the risk of recurrent disease, physicians shouldn’t entirely depend on these results when there is high suspicion for PC. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

SAT553 A Case of Metastatic Functional Papillary Thyroid Cancer in the Setting of Graves’ Disease

Abstract Disclosure: N. Manuel: None. S.J. Sternlieb: None. J. Dendy: None. Q.Z. Iqbal: None. A Case of Metastatic Functional Papillary Thyroid Cancer In the Setting of Graves’ DiseaseManuel, N., Sternlieb, S., Grissett, B., Iqbal, Q., Dendy, J. Background: Grave’s disease (GD) and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) can be concomitant diseases. We report a rare case of metastatic PTC with concomitant GD leading to symptomatic hyperthyroidism despite total thyroidectomy. Clinical Case: A 58-year-old woman with longstanding history of thyroid nodules and left dominant nodule with benign biopsy on multiple occasions presented to her PCP with dyspnea, weight loss and globus sensation. CT of the chest was obtained revealing tracheal deviation from neck mass, mediastinal lymphadenopathy and multiple pulmonary nodules. Biopsy of lung nodule showed follicular features consistent with tumor cells of thyroid origin. She had a total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection with a final diagnosis of left sided 5 cm infiltrative follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma. Thyroid hormone replacement was initiated and on follow up 4 weeks later she was noted to be tachycardic at weight-based dose. At that time TSH was &amp;lt;0.010 uIU/mL (0.400 - 4.00), free T4 was 1.96 ng/dL (0.71 – 1.51) and Thyroglobulin was found to be 31516 ng/dL (Athyrotic &amp;lt;0.1). Prior to planned RAI she developed symptoms of dyspnea on exertion and edema and was sent to the ER for abnormal D. Dimer. Workup for PE was negative including CTA of the chest. A follow up visit showed further symptoms of hyperthyroidism with worsening fatigue, dyspnea, palpitations and new onset tremor. Levothyroxine dose was decreased further but 2 weeks later she returned to the ER with worsened thyroid function tests, and she was admitted for symptomatic hyperthyroidism. Levothyroxine was held and she was placed on PTU and propranolol. Given the overt symptomatic hyperthyroidism there were concerns for either Jod-Basedow phenomenon from iodine load with recent imaging or for hyperfunctioning PTC metastasis as the cause. Thyrotropin receptor antibody level was checked to further clarify and was elevated at 22 IU/L (0.00 – 1.75) consistent with GD. An I-131 diagnostic whole-body scan demonstrated small foci of right thyroid bed remnant and iodine-avid metastases involving mediastinal nodal disease as well as pulmonary and osseous metastases. She then underwent RAI therapy with 104.5 mCi I-131 without Thyrogen stimulation. Follow up whole body scan showed persistence of iodine-avid metastasis without any new foci of uptake compared to pretreatment scans. Conclusion: Although the coexistence of them is rare, GD should be put into the differential of rapidly progressive metastatic PTC especially if patient markedly hyperthyroid on lower doses of thyroid hormone. While functional thyroid carcinoma is rare, with less than 100 cases in literature, thorough investigation should be completed in order to not miss this concomitant disease process. Presentation Date: Saturday, June 17, 2023

SAT568 A Case Of Medullary Thyroid Cancer Associated With Cutaneous Metastasis: A Rare And Aggressive Presentation

Abstract Disclosure: N. Vaghasia: None. F. Hasan: None. M. Grimes: None. Introduction: Cutaneous metastasis (CM) is an extremely rare site of metastasis in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). It suggests aggressive malignancy and poor prognosis in most cases. Case: A 26 year old male with no PMH presented to ER with neck discomfort and lump noted few weeks prior to presentation. Neck examination revealed a tender left uninodular goiter. Thyroid US revealed a 7.1 cm solid, hypoechoic, lobular, taller than wide left thyroid nodule with macrocalcification and two abnormal appearing level 2 and 3 left cervical lymph nodes. FNA of all three lesions were positive for MTC. CT neck and PET scan suggested locally advanced tumor surrounding carotid artery and esophagus plus metastatic lesion in the pelvis. Interestingly, serum calcitonin was only modestly elevated at 28.9 pg/ml (0.0-8.4), while serum CEA was high at 8.7 ng/mL (0-3.0). Genetic testing for germline RET mutation was negative. Patient underwent a total thyroidectomy with central and left lateral neck dissection and pelvic mass resection with pathology revealing MTC, stage T4b N1b M1. Molecular testing was negative for RET mutation. Patient underwent EBRT of the neck for residual disease after surgery. Patient was started on Cabozantinib therapy. Seven months after initial presentation, he had new skin lesions, one on scalp and two on left lateral chest wall described as 1-2 cm cystic papular lesion, reddish-yellow in color and tender to palpation. Excision of all three lesions were positive for MTC confirming CM. Patient’s most recent PET scan suggested residual disease in the neck and new metastatic lesion in the right humerus. Patient’s serum calcitonin level remained within the reference range after surgery despite residual disease. Discussion: MTC with CM is extremely rare with fewer than 10 reported cases. Most of them are associated with high mortality with death within one year from diagnosis. Most of the cases had skin lesions in upper body with scalp being the most common site. Not much is known about the molecular profiling of MTC with CM. Our case is similar to previously reported cases in terms of disease aggressiveness and skin lesions involving the scalp and upper chest. Two unique features about our case are: first, the modest elevation of calcitonin preoperatively despite large tumor burden and normal calcitonin after surgery despite having residual disease and new distant metastasis. Second, molecular profiling of our patient was negative for germline mutations in association with MTC. This may suggest the presence of an unknown mutation or pathway leading to this unusual manifestation in MTC. Conclusion: In a patient with known MTC, skin lesions especially on scalp should raise suspicion for metastatic and aggressive MTC. With minimally elevated calcitonin and negative RET mutation our case raise one important question - Is a normal calcitonin and negative RET oncogene associated with an aggressive form of MTC? Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Pediatric head and neck manifestations associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes are a group of hereditary cancer syndromes that can predispose children to endocrine neoplasms developing within the head and neck. To examine the neoplastic manifestations of MEN type 1 (MEN1) and MEN type 2 (MEN2) in the pediatric head and neck. Single-institution, retrospective review of pediatric MEN between 2005 and 2022. Fifty-three children were genetically confirmed with MEN (15 MEN1, 34 MEN2A, and 4 MEN2B), while three patients received clinical diagnoses of MEN1. The male to female ratio was essentially equal (1.15:1), and a documented family history of cancer was present in 89% (50/56). After multidisciplinary evaluation, a familial MEN diagnosis was confirmed in 91% (51/56). The mean ages of initial presentation and surgical intervention were 8.9 years (SD 5) and 9.8 years (SD 4.8), respectively. Although patients with MEN2 received surgery earlier than patients with MEN1 (8.7 vs 12.7 years), surgical patients with MEN2 in this cohort were older relative to current American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines primarily due to late presentation. Thyroid malignancies were identified in 36% (9/25) of thyroidectomy specimens (21 MEN2A, 4 MEN2B), with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) present in five MEN2A patients and three MEN2B patients (89%), and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) present in one MEN2A patient (11%). Nearly 90% (8/9) of thyroid malignancies were occult, with some occurring earlier than predicted by current guidelines (ATA-MOD and ATA-H). Central neck dissections were performed in 24% (2 MEN1, 2 MEN2A, and 4 MEN2B), with two MEN2B (50%) demonstrating cervical lymph node (LN) metastases. Additional histopathologic findings included C-cell hyperplasia in 57% (12/21) of MEN2A thyroidectomy patients. Of the eight MEN1 parathyroidectomy patients, four demonstrated parathyroid hyperplasia and four presented with parathyroid adenoma. Nearly 60% required head and neck procedures. While MEN1 guidelines were appropriate for our cohort, we identified patients with MEN2 that developed MTC earlier than expected based on current ATA guidelines, including children in categories considered lower risk. In conjunction with a multidisciplinary approach, pediatric head and neck surgeons should be aware of the potential need for earlier surgical intervention in the pediatric MEN2 population.