Active Surveillance of Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Multi-Center Cohort Study in Korea

• DOI: 10.1089/thy.2018.0263
• Publication Date: 2018-09-18T09:12:59Z
• Authors: Hye-Seon Oh; Jeonghoon Ha; Hye In Kim; Tae Hyuk Kim; Won Gu Kim; Dong-Jun Lim; Tae Yong Kim; Sun Wook Kim; Won Bae Kim; Young Kee Shong; Jae Hoon Chung; Jung Hwan Baek
• Keywords: Levothyroxine; Cumulative incidence

Background: Active surveillance has been introduced as a management option for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) due to its mostly indolent course. Methods: This was multicenter study of 370 PTMC patients who underwent active more than one year. The changes in volume and maximum diameter between initial last ultrasonography were evaluated identify the natural course during surveillance. Results: Patients' age at diagnosis 51 ± 12 years, 110 (30%) <45 years age. PTMCs 5.9 1.7 mm 81.0 77.7 mm3, respectively. During median 32.5 months follow-up, 86 (23.2%) found have an increase tumor volume, 13 (3.5%) showed maximal tumor. cumulative incidence gradually rose with time (6.9%, 17.3%, 28.2%, 36.2% after two, three, four, five respectively). risk twice high older (p = 0.002). There no significant difference size change according sex, levothyroxine treatment, or presence Hashimoto's thyroiditis. period, 58 (15.7%) delayed surgery anxiety (37.9%), (32.8%), appearance cervical lymph node metastasis (8.6%). Lymph 29.3% on pathological examination. Conclusions: A number grow surveillance, is sensitive means evaluating growth. can be carefully applied selected patients. Although it not contraindicated, should cautiously younger