Impact of Age on the Prognosis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

Background: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a common subtype of thyroid carcinoma with a rising incidence rate. The purpose of this study was to provide a better understanding of age and PTC using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. Methods: The study derived patients’ information from the SEER Program (2010–2015). Chi-square or Fisher exact tests, and Kaplan–Meier method were used to analyze survival. Prognostic factors associated with survival were analyzed by Cox multivariate regression. Results: A total of 1738 records were included from SEER, with 1079 PTC in the age group <55 years, and 659 PTC in the age group ≥55 years. The 5-year survival rate was 94% and the overall survival (OS) curve in different age groups indicated that patients younger than 55yr have a longer survival time (P<0.05). In multivariate Cox regression, age, M stage and surgery treatment were independent risk factors (P<0.05). Regarding PTC-specific survival, age and surgery treatment were the two main independent prognostic factors in multivariate regression. However, AJCC and M stage were not in the disease specific survival. Conclusion: Age is a prognostic factor in OS and PCT specific survival. AJCC I stage and surgery treatment are also significant in predicting prognosis.