Occult well differentiated thyroid carcinoma presenting as cervical node disease.

Records of 92 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma presenting as cervical adenopathy without a palpable mass were reviewed to identify prognostic factors and to evaluate therapy. Patients were treated between 1940 and 1990 and were observed for 3 to 48 years (median 18 years). Follow-up data were obtained by chart review, correspondence, and telephone contact. Among the group, 20 patients had unilateral and 72 bilateral thyroid lobectomy, with node dissection in 77. Thyroid hormone was used in 50 patients and radioactive iodine in 20. Patients were younger than the overall population of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma, with more men and more multifocal thyroid disease. Risk group defined by age and sex was the most important determinant of survival. All women 50 years of age or younger and all men 40 or younger (low risk group) survived independent of the type of initial operation or use of thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression or radioactive iodine. Of the low-risk patients, 16% had recurrent disease but were treated successfully with surgery or radioactive iodine; 28% of the older patients (high risk) died of disease. A trend for better survival was noted in high risk patients undergoing bilateral thyroidectomy and in patients receiving thyroid suppression. Of the high risk patients, 26% had recurrent disease, with a 71% mortality rate. Age and sex are the primary determinants of survival. Therapy should be based on risk factors. Low risk patients should have conservative thyroid surgery and modified or limited node dissection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)