Identification of risk factors of central lymph node metastasis and evaluation of the effect of prophylactic central neck dissection on migration of staging and risk stratification in patients with clinically node-negative papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

CLNM is highly prevalent in cN0 PTMC. Age < 45 years and multifocality are independent risk factors of CLNM in cN0 PTMC patients. PCND can identify CLNM, which allows more accurate TNM staging/RS and may have an important impact on postoperative treatment in cN0 PTMC patients.