Development of a carbon nanoparticle-guided nomogram for predicting lateral cervical lymph node metastasis in clinically node-negative papillary thyroid carcinoma

This carbon nanoparticle-guided nomogram is a practical and highly accurate tool for intraoperative risk stratification of LLN metastasis in cN0 PTC patients. Integrating tracer-based lymph node assessment with conventional clinicopathological factors enhances predictive capability compared to existing methods, potentially reducing unnecessary neck dissections while ensuring appropriate management of high-risk cases. Multicenter validation and incorporation of molecular markers are important next steps toward clinical implementation.