A nomogram for predicting lateral lymph node metastasis in cN0 unifocal papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

Abstract Background Identifying risk factors for occult lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) can provide valuable insights into the necessity of lateral neck dissection (LND). The objective of this study was to develop a nomogram for predicting the probability of LLNM in patients with cN0 unifocal PTMC. Methods We conducted a retrospective analyzed a total of 4872 patients with cN0 unifocal PTMC who were treated at our center from January 2013 to June 2018. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors for LLNM, and a nomogram was constructed based on these risk factors. Results The rate of LLNM was 3.2%. Tumors located in the upper lobe(odds ratio [OR] = 2.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.80–3.62; p