Objective:

To investigate the clinical status of active monitoring (active surveillance) or surgical resection for adult low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma in military and local medical institutions in southern China.

Approach:

Key Findings:

• 36 medical institutions participated, with an average annual thyroid surgery volume exceeding 100 cases.
• 16.7% of institutions recommended FNAC for all suspicious nodules, while 25.0% recommended it only for nodules larger than 10 mm.
• Treatment decisions were left to patients in 36.1% of institutions.
• 48.1% of patients underwent immediate surgery, 36.9% chose initial active surveillance, and 13.3% received ablation.
• 28.0% of patients initially managed with active surveillance subsequently underwent surgery.

Interpretation:

There is significant variability in the management of low-risk PTMC across institutions, with a notable proportion adopting active surveillance, highlighting the need for standardized protocols.

Limitations:

• The study reflects practices in specific military and local medical institutions, which may not generalize to other regions, potentially affecting treatment consistency.
• Variability in treatment protocols and patient preferences may affect the consistency of active surveillance implementation.

Conclusion:

More than one-third of low-risk PTMC patients adopted active surveillance, but educational efforts directed at clinicians and patients, along with refined guidelines, are needed for standardized application.

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