Predictive models for contralateral occult thyroid carcinoma and central lymph node metastasis in unilateral multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma based on ultrasound.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Patients with unilateral multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma (MPTC) are more likely to undergo total thyroidectomy (TT), which may represent overtreatment. This study aimed to develop clinical models that accurately predict the risk of contralateral occult thyroid carcinoma (OTC) and central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) (number ≥5) in these patients using preoperative clinical variables, providing clearer guidance for surgical decision-making.

Methods

The clinical data of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients who underwent initial surgery in Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, from May 2020 to May 2024 were collected. This study utilized 12 machine learning (ML) algorithms and 113 combinations to calculate

SUBMITTER: Zhao Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12780598 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature