Abstract: This article discusses the correlation between ultrasound features and cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) of thyroid cancer (TC). 110 patients with TC were enrolled. According to pathological results, they were divided into metastasis group (59 cases) and non-metastasis group (51 cases). Both groups were completed the two-dimensional ultrasound and color Doppler ultrasound examination before the operation. Pearson correlation coefficient and Logistic analysis were used to get the correlation between ultrasound features and CLNM of TC. The results show that, the cases in metastasis group with ultrasound features as nodule diameter ≥ 1.5 cm, aspect ratio ≥ 1, inhomogeneous echo, microcalcification, abundant internal blood supply and the distance from capsule (d)=0 were more than those in the non-metastasis group (P<0.05). Pearson analysis showed a significant positive correlation between CLNM and nodule diameter, aspect ratio, echo, microcalcification and abundant internal blood supply (P<0.05). Logistic analysis showed these ultrasound features such as nodule diameter ≥ 1.5 cm, aspect ratio ≥ 1, inhomogeneous echo, microcalcification, abundant internal blood supply and distance from capsule (d)=0 were independent risk factors of CLNM (P<0.05).

Key words: thyroid cancer, cervical lymph node metastasis, ultrasound features, correlation