Total thyroidectomy versus thyroid lobectomy in the treatment of papillary carcinoma

Clinical-Pathological Features of Thyroid Neoplasms in Young Patients Diagnosed in a Single Center

Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical-pathological profile in young patients with thyroid cancer. Materials and methods: We realized a retrospective study on patients with thyroid neoplasms who underwent surgery at the "Pius Brinzeu" County Clinical Emergency Hospital in Timisoara, Romania. A comparative analysis of some parameters between two groups, young patients (<45 years) versus patients ≥45 years, was performed. Results: A total of 211 patients met the study inclusion criteria, mostly females (86.26%) with a female/male ratio of 6.81:1. In patients <45 years old (25.64%), papillary thyroid carcinoma was identified in 51.85% of cases; in 53.85% of cases, the tumor was >1 cm; 13.46% had extrathyroidal extension (p = 0.0430); 21.15% capsule invasion (p = 0.1756); 23.08% lympho-vascular invasion (p = 0.0048); and 13.46% of cases locoregional nodal invasion (p = 0.0092). Conclusions: Thyroid cancer in young people was associated with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and tumor progression parameters, identifying more cases of extrathyroidal extension, locoregional nodal invasion, lympho-vascular invasion and perineural invasion in young patients compared to older ones. For a better understanding of this pathology and to improve diagnosis and therapeutic management, more studies are needed for these patients.

Posthemithyroidectomy Hypothyroidism: Updated Meta-Analysis of Risk Factors and Rates of Remission

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for hypothyroidism, both clinical and subclinical, following hemithyroidectomy in preoperatively euthyroid patients, as well as hypothyroidism remission and its time of remission.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search was performed in Medline (via PubMed), Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library using the keywords "hemithyroidectomy + postoperative + hypothyroidism" and "hemithyroidectomy + hormone supplementation".

RESULTS

Fifty-four studies with a total of 9,999 patients were included. After a mean follow-up interval of 48.2 mo, the pooled hypothyroidism rate was 29%. The subclinical hypothyroidism rate was 79% of patients with hypothyroidism (18 studies). Moreover, a meta-analysis of 12 studies indicated a pooled hypothyroidism remission rate after hemithyroidectomy of 42% (95% CI: 24%-60%). Older patient age (MD = -2.54, 95% CI = -3.99, -1.10, P = 0.0006), female gender (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.58, 0.82, P < 0.0001), higher preoperative thyroid-stimulating hormone levels (MD = -0,81, 95% CI = -0.96, -0.66, P < 0.00001), pathological preoperative anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.24, 0.57, P < 0.00001) and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.36, 0.75, P = 00,005), and right-sided hemithyroidectomy (OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.43, 0.68, P < 0.00001) were associated with postoperative hypothyroidism development. In metaregression analysis, Asia presented a significantly higher hypothyroidism rate after hemithyroidectomy (34.6%, 95% CI = 29.3%-9.9%), compared to Europe (22.9%, 95% CI = 16.2%-29.5%, P = 0.037) and Canada (1.8%, 95% CI = -22.6%-26.2%, P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypothyroidism is a frequent and significant postoperative sequela of hemithyroidectomy, necessitating individualization of treatment strategy based on the underlying disease as well as the estimated risk of hypothyroidism and its risk factors.

Comparison of Treatment and Prognosis Between Follicular Variant Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Classical Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

This cohort study evaluated the associations of different treatments with the prognosis of follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) and classical papillary thyroid carcinoma (CPTC) patients. The data of 69034 PTC patients were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The 5-year mortality of CPTC and FVPTC patients receiving surgery, radiation and combination therapy were compared. The univariable and multivariable cox proportional risk models explored the associations between different treatments and the 5-year mortality in CPTC and FVPTC patients. The 5-year mortality of CPTC patients was 2.81% and FVPTC patients was 2.47%. Compared with CPTC receiving lobectomy and/or isthmectomy, those not receiving surgery were associated with increased risk of 5-year mortality [Hazards ratio (HR)=3.27, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.55-4.20] while total thyroidectomy was correlated with reduced risk of 5-year mortality (HR=0.67, 95%CI: 0.55-0.80). Radioactive iodine (RAI) was linked with decreased risk of 5-year mortality in CPTC patients (HR=0.57, 95%CI: 0.50-0.65). CPTC patients undergoing both surgery and radiation were related to decreased risk of 5-year mortality compared with those receiving surgery only (HR=0.55, 95%CI: 0.48-0.63). CPTC patients receiving neither surgery nor radiation (HR=4.53, 95%CI: 3.72-5.51) or those receiving radiation (HR=1.98, 95%CI: 1.13-3.48) were correlated with elevated risk of 5-year mortality. The elevated risk of 5-year mortality in FVPTC patients was reduced in those undergoing RAI (HR=0.63, 95%CI: 0.51-0.76). In conclusion, combination therapy was associated with decreased risk of 5-year mortality in CPTC and FVPTC patients, which might provide a reference for the management of these patients.

Role of prophylactic central neck lymph node dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma in the era of de-escalation

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy. While there has been no appreciable increase in the observed mortality of well-differentiated thyroid cancer, there has been an overall rise in its incidence worldwide over the last few decades. Patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and clinical evidence of central (cN1) and/or lateral lymph node metastases require total thyroidectomy plus central and/or lateral neck dissection as the initial surgical treatment. Nodal status in PTC patients plays a crucial role in the prognostic evaluation of the recurrence risk. The 2015 guidelines of the American Thyroid Association (ATA) have more accurately determined the indications for therapeutic central and lateral lymph node dissection. However, prophylactic central neck lymph node dissection (pCND) in negative lymph node (cN0) PTC patients is controversial, as the 2009 ATA guidelines recommended that CND "should be considered" routinely in patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for PTC. Although the current guidelines show clear indications for therapeutic CND, the role of pCND in cN0 patients with PTC is still debated. In small solitary papillary carcinoma (T1, T2), pCND is not recommended unless there are high-risk prediction factors for recurrence and diffuse nodal spread (extrathyroid extension, mutation in the BRAF gene). pCND can be considered in cN0 disease with advanced primary tumors (T3 or T4) or clinical lateral neck disease (cN1b) or for staging and treatment planning purposes. The role of the preoperative evaluation is fund-amental to minimizing the possible detrimental effect of overtreatment of the types of patients who are associated with low disease-related morbidity and mortality. On the other hand, it determines the choice of appropriate treatment and determines if close monitoring of patients at a higher risk is needed. Thus, pCND is currently recommended for T3 and T4 tumors but not for T1 and T2 tumors without high-risk prediction factors of recurrence.

Does the Risk of Hypocalcemia Increase in Complementary Thyroidectomy Performed in Papillary Thyroid Cancer?

Objectives

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancers. In some patients, due to the histopathological features of PTC, complementary thyroidectomy (CT) may be needed to contralateral thyroid lobe after lobectomy. Hypocalcemia is the most common complication after thyroidectomy and its etiology is multifactorial. It is still controversial whether the CT increases the risk of hypocalcemia or not. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether CT procedure increases the risk of hypocalcemia compared to total thyroidectomy (TT) in PTC patients.

Methods

The data of the patients who were operated between 2015 and 2018 and diagnosed with PTC in the pre-operative or post-operative period were evaluated retrospectively, and two patient groups were formed. Group 1 included 19 patients who were diagnosed with PTC in the pathological examination after lobectomy was performed in the first operation, and after that CT was performed to the contralateral lobe. Among the patients who were diagnosed with pre-operative or post-operative PTC in the same period, 53 patients with characteristics similar to the 1^st group in terms of age and gender were selected for Group 2. Biochemical parameters related to calcium metabolism in the pre-operative and post-operative periods, parathyroid autotransplantation and unintentional parathyroid gland removal, post-operative hypocalcemia, and treatment rates were compared between the two groups.

Results

There were 19 patients (13 F and 6 M) with a mean age of 48.3±12.1 years and 53 patients with a mean age of 46.3±9 (40 F and 13 M) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age and gender. There was no significant difference in terms of pre-operative parathormone (PTH), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), Vitamin D deficiency rate, parathyroid autotransplantation, and presence of parathyroid gland in thyroid specimen. Pre-operative calcium (Ca) value was 9.33±0.46 in Group 1 and lower than Group 2 (9.65±0.41) (p=0.012). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of post-operative day 0 Ca, P, Mg, and PTH and post-operative day 1 Ca, Mg, and PTH. Post-operative day 1 P level was significantly lower in Group 1 (2.86±0.72) compared to Group 2 (3.6±0.83). Post-operative hypocalcemia rates were 21.1% and 30.2% in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, and the difference was not significant (p=0.558). In both groups, hypocalcemia was transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism was not detected. Parathyroid autotransplantation rates (10.5% vs. 3.8%; p=0.283) and the rate of unintentionally removed parathyroid gland (0 vs. 15.1; p=0.185) were similar in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Ca and active Vitamin D administration rates in the post-operative period were similar in Group 1 and Group 2 (10.5% vs. 22.6%; respectively), and there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of receiving treatment (p=0.327).

Conclusion

CT can be necessary in some patients with post-operative diagnose of PTC. CT can be performed without increased risk of hypocalcemia compared to TT.

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing tumor progression and complications between radiofrequency ablation and thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most frequent thyroid cancers worldwide. The efficacy and acceptability of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of PTC have been intensively studied. The aim of this study is to focus on extra detailed that may influent for PTC or papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified a total of 1,987 records of a primary literature searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar by key words, from 2000 to 2022. The outcome of studies included complication, costs, and local tumor progression. After scrutiny screening and full-text assessment, six studies were included in the systematic review. Heterogeneity was estimated using I2, and the quality of evidence was assessed for each outcome using the GRADE guidelines.

RESULTS

Our review enrolled 1,708 patients reported in six articles in the final analysis. There were 397 men and 1,311 women in the analysis. Two of these studies involved PTC and four focused on PTMC. There were 859 patients in the RFA group and 849 patients in the thyroidectomy group. By contrast, the tumor progression of RFA group was as same as that surgical groups [odds ratio, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.52-3.29; heterogeneity (I2 statistic), 0%, p = 0.85]. The risk of complication rates was significantly lower in the RFA group than that in the surgical group [odds ratio, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.09-0.35; heterogeneity (I2 statistic), 40%, p = 0.14].

CONCLUSIONS

RFA is a safe procedure with a certain outcome for PTC. RFA can achieve a good efficacy and has a lower risk of major complications.

Predictors of impaired effectiveness of carbon nanoparticle-based central lymph node tracing in patients who underwent surgery for papillary thyroid cancer: A retrospective cohort study

Carbon nanoparticles (CNs) are used in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) surgery to facilitate central lymph node dissection (CLND) and protect the parathyroid glands (PGs). However, some cases develop hypoparathyroidism after using CNs. This cohort study was undertaken to explore the predictors of the reduced effectiveness of CNs. Data on patients with PTC who underwent surgery wherein CNs were used during CLND were reviewed retrospectively. Patients who did not develop hypoparathyroidism and developed hypoparathyroidism were classified into Group A and B, respectively. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between the 2 groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed on related variables. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predictors of the binary logistic model and the cutoff value of each predictor was obtained. A total of 265 patients were included. Compared with Group A, the patients in Group B had a higher body mass index (BMI) (P = .003), were more frequently associated with Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) (P = .001), and tumors were larger in size (P = .026). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed on these variables and showed that HT (P = .001) and tumor size (P = .001) predicted the impaired role of CNs. CNs are not always useful in protecting PG function in patients who undergo CLND for PTC. In patients with coexisting HT (blood thyroid peroxidase antibody [TPOAb] level higher than 44.0 IU/mL or blood anti-thyroglobulin antibody [ATG] level higher than 125.0 IU/mL) or a tumor size exceeding 1.1 cm in diameter, the protective role of CNs may be impaired.

Differential diagnosis of non-diffuse primary thyroid lymphoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma by ultrasound combined with computed tomography

Background

Primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are both thyroid malignancies, but their therapeutic methods and prognosis are different. This study aims to explore their sonographic and computed tomography(CT)features, and to improve the early diagnosis rate.

Methods

The clinical and imaging data of 50 patients with non-diffuse PTL and 100 patients with PTC confirmed by pathology were retrospectively analysed.

Results

Of the 150 patients, from the perspective of clinical data, between non-diffuse PTL and PTC patients existed significant difference in age, maximum diameter of nodule, asymmetric enlargement and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (P < 0.001), but not in gender ratio, echo texture, cystic change and anteroposterior-to-transverse ratio (P > 0.05). With respect to sonographic feature, non-diffuse PTL patients had a higher proportion than PTC patients in markedly hypoechoic, internal linear echogenic strands, posterior echo enhancement, rich vascularity, lack of calcification and homogeneous enhancement, with statistically significant difference (P < 0.05), while PTC patients had a higher proportion than non-diffuse PTL patients in irregular border, circumscribed margin, capsular invasion and significant enhancement, with statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). With respect to CT feature, non-diffuse PTL patients were significantly different from PTC patients in the non-contrast CT value mean, venous phase CT value mean, enhanced intensity and homogeneity of nodules (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR = 1.226, 95%CI:1.056 ~ 1.423, P = 0.007), posterior echo enhancement (OR = 51.152, 95%CI: 2.934 ~ 891.738, P = 0.007), lack of calcification (OR = 0.013, 95%CI: 0.000 ~ 0.400, P = 0.013) and homogeneous enhancement (OR = 0.020, 95%CI: 0.001 ~ 0.507, P = 0.018) were independent risk factors.

Conclusions

Sonographic and CT features of the presence of posterior echo enhancement, lack of calcification and homogeneous enhancement were valuable to distinguishing non-diffuse PTL from PTC.

Optimal Surgical Extent in Patients with Unilateral Multifocal Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Multifocality increases the risk of recurrence in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC); however, it is unclear whether multifocality justifies more extensive or aggressive surgical treatment. Here, we evaluated the effect of the operative extent on the recurrence-free survival (RFS) of patients with multifocal PTC. Between 2010 and 2019, 718 patients with unilateral multifocal PTC were enrolled; 115 patients (16.0%) underwent ipsilateral thyroid lobectomy, and 606 patients (84.0%) underwent total thyroidectomy. With a mean follow up of 5.2 years, RFS was comparable between the total thyroidectomy and lobectomy groups (p = 0.647) after adjusting for potential confounders. Multivariable Cox regression analysis also demonstrated that the operative extent was not an independent predictor of recurrence (HR 1.686, 95% CI: 0.321-8.852). Subgroup analyses further indicated that both total thyroidectomy and thyroid lobectomy resulted in comparable RFS for multifocal PTC patients with other high-risk factors, including tumor size > 1 cm (p = 0.711), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.536), and intermediate ATA risk of recurrence (p = 0.682). In conclusion, thyroid lobectomy was not associated with the risk of recurrence in patients with multifocal PTCs. Multifocality in PTC may not always require aggressive surgery.

Variability in Thyroid Cancer Multidisciplinary Team Meeting Recommendations Is Not Explained by Standard Variables: Outcomes of a Single Centre Review

Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings are the mainstay of the decision-making process for patients presenting with complex clinical problems such as papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Adherence to guidelines by MDTs has been extensively investigated; however, scarce evidence exists on MDT performance and variability where guidelines are less prescriptive. We evaluated the consistency of MDT management recommendations for T1 and T2 PTC patients and explored key variables that may influence therapeutic decision making. A retrospective review of the prospective database of all T1 and T2 PTC patients discussed by the MDT was conducted between January 2016 and May 2021. Univariate analysis (with Bonferroni correction significance calculated at p < 0.006) was performed to establish clinical variables linked to completion thyroidectomy and Radioactive iodine (RAI) recommendations. Of 468 patients presented at thyroid MDT, 144 pT1 PTC and 118 pT2 PTC met the selection criteria. Only 18% (n = 12) of pT1 PTC patients initially managed with hemithyroidectomy were recommended completion thyroidectomy. Mean tumour diameter was the only variable differing between groups (p = 0.003). pT2 patients were recommended completion thyroidectomy in 66% (n = 16) of instances. No measured variable explained the difference in recommendation. pT1 patients initially managed with total thyroidectomy were not recommended RAI in 71% (n = 55) of cases with T1a status (p = 0.001) and diameter (p = 0.001) as statistically different variables. For pT2 patients, 60% (n = 41) were recommended RAI post-total thyroidectomy, with no differences observed among groups. The majority of MDT recommendations were concordant for patients with similar measurable characteristics. Discordant recommendations for a small group of patients were not explained by measured variables and may have been accounted for by individual patient factors. Further research into the MDT decision-making process is warranted.

Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Nomogram Based on Clinical and Ultrasound Features to Improve the Prediction of Lymph Node Metastases in the Central Compartment

BACKGROUND

Accurate preoperative identification of central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) is essential for surgical protocol establishment for patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). We aimed to develop a clinical and ultrasound characteristics-based nomogram for predicting CLNM.

METHODS

Our study included 399 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with PTMC between January 2011 and June 2018. Clinical and ultrasound features were collected for univariate and multivariate analyses to determine risk factors of CLNM. A nomogram comprising the prognostic model to predict the CLNM was established, and internal validation in the cohort was performed. The Cox regression model was used to determine the risk factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and cumulative hazard was calculated to predict prognosis.

RESULTS

Three variables of clinical and US features as potential predictors including sex (odd ratio [OR] = 1.888, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.160-3.075; P =0.011), tumor size (OR = 1.933, 95% CI, 1.250-2.990; P =0.003) and ETE (OR = 6.829, 95% CI, 3.250-14.350; P <0.001) were taken into account. The predictive nomogram was established by involving all the factors above used for preoperative prediction of CLNM in patients with PTMC. The nomogram showed excellent calibration in predicting CLNM, with area under curves (AUC) of 0.684 (95% CI, 0.635 to 0.774). Furthermore, tumor size, multifocality, presence of ETE, vascular invasion, and CLNM were the significant factors related to the RFS.

CONCLUSION

Through this easy-to-use nomogram by combining clinical and US risk factor, the possibility of CLNM can be objectively quantified preoperatively. This prediction model may serve as a useful clinical tool to help clinicians determine an individual's risk of CLNM in PTMC, thus make individualized treatment plans accordingly.

Current surgical treatment of intermediate risk differentiated thyroid cancer: a systematic review

Introduction: Surgical treatment of thyroid cancer has become less aggressive but for many patients, the threshold for performing total thyroidectomy (TT), as opposed to thyroid lobectomy (TL), has remained unclear. Current American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines encourage more individualization of treatment options, which necessitates explicit review of the pros and cons of the different options with patients.Areas covered: This review focuses on the extent of surgery for treatment of intermediate-risk differentiated thyroid cancer, restricted to relevant literature available after publication of the 2015 ATA guidelines.Expert opinion: Dynamic risk-stratification facilitates a tailored approach when deciding on the extent of surgery for thyroid cancer. Treatment with TT allows for a lower recurrence risk, a simpler follow-up regimen, and treatment with adjuvant post-operative radioactive iodine. Treatment with TL has a lower associated risk of complications and avoidance of lifelong thyroid hormone replacement but has a significant risk of requiring a completion thyroid lobectomy (CT). Overall, treatment with TL and TT have comparable survival outcomes, but TL is the more cost-effective option. Larger cancer size is correlated with worse clinical outcomes, and numerous subgroup analyses have shown poorer outcomes for cancers with a diameter that is 2-4 cm compared to 1-2 cm.

Prevalence of and risk factors for hypothyroidism after hemithyroidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the prevalence of and risk factors for hypothyroidism following hemithyroidectomy as new evidence obtained in recent years warranted an update of previous meta-analyses.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched through November 1, 2019, for articles examining the hypothyroidism prevalence and risk factors after lobectomy. The prevalence rate, risk ratio (RR), weighted mean difference (WMD) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were assessed by conducting a meta-analysis of proportions, binary variables, and continuous variables, respectively, using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Fifty-one studies showed a pooled risk of 29.9% (95% confidence interval (CI), 24.6-35.2%) for hypothyroidism following hemithyroidectomy. Risk factors for the development of postoperative hypothyroidism included the female sex (RR, 1.169; 95% CI, 1.040-1.314; P = 0.009), a higher preoperative thyrotropin (TSH) level (RR, 2.955; 95% CI, 2.399-3.640; P = 0.000), a lower preoperative FT4 level (SMD, -0.818; 95% CI, -1.623--0.013; P = 0.047), concomitant lymphocyte infiltration (RR, 1.558; 95% CI, 1.203-2.018; P = 0.001), Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) (RR, 1.480; 95% CI, 1.192-1.838; P = 0.000), a lighter weight of the remaining gland (WMD, -2.740; 95% CI, -3.708--1.772; P = 0.000), and a right side lobectomy (RR, 1.404; 95% CI, 1.075-1.835; P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypothyroidism is a significant complication after lobectomy, and appropriate and personalized surgical strategies should be designed after a careful preoperative assessment based on the estimated risk of hypothyroidism and risk factors.

Extent of thyroid surgery for clinically node-negative papillary thyroid carcinoma with confirmed nodal metastases after prophylactic central neck dissection: a 15-year experience in a single center

PURPOSE

The use of prophylactic central neck dissection (PCND) and the extent of thyroid surgery in clinically node-negative (cN0) papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are controversial. This study aimed to investigate whether the extent of thyroid surgery influences the prognosis of patients with PTC with central lymph node metastasis (N1a), which was cN0 but pathologically confirmed after PCND.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective study using medical records. Patients who underwent thyroid surgery with PCND for the treatment of PTC between 2004 and 2019 were included. Predictive factors and local recurrence rates were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 2,274 patients with cN0 PTC, 436 were confirmed to have pathologic N1a disease after PCND. Among them, 340 patients (78.0%) underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) and 96 patients (22.0%) underwent less than TT. Of the 374 patients who were followed up for >6 months, 5 (1.3%) experienced recurrence. The 15-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate was 98.2%. No clinicopathologic factor was predictive of tumor recurrence. RFS tended to be lower in patients who underwent less than TT than in those who underwent TT; however, the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed low recurrence rates in patients with cN0 PTC pathologically confirmed as N1a after PCND. The RFS did not differ according to the extent of thyroid surgery. Considering the low recurrence rate and the surgical morbidity associated with thyroid surgery, less than TT with PCND may be considered for patients with cN0 unilateral PTC even with a pathologic staging of N1a after PCND.

Psychological nursing intervention reduces psychological distress in patients with thyroid cancer: A randomized clinical trial protocol

BACKGROUND

Thyroidectomy has been considered an effective method to treat thyroid cancer. However, about 20% of patients have psychological distress before surgery. Psychological distress is considered common mental illnesses and it has been reported that the patients who suffer psychological distress have poor clinical outcomes than the patients without psychosocial disorder. Therefore, we design this randomized controlled study to explore the effect of psychological nursing intervention against quality of life and psychological distress of the patients with thyroid cancer.

METHOD

The trial will be conducted from September 2020 to December 2020 at Wuhan Fourth Hospital on the basis of the International Council for Harmonisation's Good Clinical Practice Guidelines and the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study was authorized via the Research Ethics Committee of the Wuhan Fourth Hospital (Approval number: 20200721-046). This study is a single-center, randomized, 2-arm, evaluator-blinded clinical trial. In all, 90 patients with thyroid cancer undergoing thyroidectomy will be enrolled in this study. The inclusion criteria includes: patients aged between 20 and 60 years old; ASA I-II classification; normal platelet coagulation and count function. The exclusion criteria contains: people with the intellectual and cognitive impairment (behavioral-cognitive intervention); BMI above 35 kg/m; the history of renal and hepatic dysfunction; and patients refuse to participate in this study. Both the patients in psychological intervention group and control group should receive the routine care, while the psychological intervention group also needs to receive the additional proper psychological nursing interventions. The emotional disorders are detected with the Chinese version of Profile of Mood States-Brief. And the patients' life quality is evaluated with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core Questionnaire (QLQ-C30, version 3.0). All the data are collated into Microsoft Excel 2010 and analyzed with SPSS 12.0 (IBM).

RESULTS

It is assumed that psychological nursing intervention could alleviate the psychological distress of patients with thyroid cancer and improve their quality of life.

CONCLUSION

This study can provide the reliable evidence regarding the influence of psychological nursing intervention against the life quality and psychological distress of the patients with thyroid cancer.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study protocol is registered in Research Registry (researchregistry5937).