lymph node ratio
Also written as: LNR — lymph node ratio
Proportion of positive lymph nodes to total lymph nodes examined in thyroid cancer staging.
Full Definition
A prognostic indicator calculated by dividing the number of metastatic lymph nodes by the total number of lymph nodes examined during neck dissection for thyroid cancer. The lymph node ratio has emerged as an important factor in determining prognosis and guiding adjuvant therapy decisions, particularly in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Studies suggest that patients with higher lymph node ratios may have increased risk of recurrence and may benefit from more aggressive postoperative management including radioactive iodine therapy.
Usage
Usage note: Expressed as decimal or percentage; higher ratios indicate worse prognosis.
In Context
- "The lymph node ratio of 0.4 (4 positive out of 10 examined) indicated high-risk disease requiring adjuvant therapy." — pathology report
- "Despite limited nodal involvement, the lymph node ratio suggested consideration of radioactive iodine treatment." — multidisciplinary tumor board