Korean J Endocr Surg.  2016 Dec;16(4):100-106. 10.16956/kaes.2016.16.4.100.

Clinicopathologic Features in Minimally Invasive Follicular Thyroid Cancer Patients with Distant Metastasis

• Ju YW
• Kim SJ
• Chai YJ
• Yi JW
• Seong CY
• Kim JK
• Yu HW
• Choi JY
• Lee KE

• KMID: 2368004
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.16956/kaes.2016.16.4.100

Abstract

PURPOSE
Although minimally invasive follicular thyroid carcinoma (MIFTC) is considered a thyroid tumor with low malignant potential, some MIFTC can spread, metastasize, and eventually lead to death. This study investigates the risk factors for distant metastasis in MIFTC patients.
METHODS
Between 1981 and 2014, the records of 365 consecutive patients who underwent thyroidectomy for MIFTC at Seoul National University Hospital were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with distant metastasis.
RESULTS
Of 351 patients, 10 (2.9%) presented with distant metastasis. Of these, two (0.6%) were found at the time of thyroidectomy, while eight (2.3%) were detected at later exams, over a median of 7.3 years (range, 0.2~30.8). In univariate analysis, lymph node metastasis (P<0.001) was significantly associated with distant metastasis. In multivariate analysis, lymph node metastasis (P<0.001) and locoregional recurrence (P=0.008) were significantly associated with distant metastasis.
CONCLUSION
Distant metastasis in MIFTC patients were associated with high-risk clinicopathologic features and more aggressive clinical courses. Further study will be needed to ascertain these results with long-term surveillance.

Keyword

Minimally invasive follicular thyroid cancer; Distant metastasis; Clinicopathologic features

MeSH Terms

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular
Humans
Lymph Nodes
Multivariate Analysis
Neoplasm Metastasis*
Recurrence
Risk Factors
Seoul
Thyroid Gland*
Thyroid Neoplasms*
Thyroidectomy

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