5 mm) had a significant influence on the frequency and distribution of cervical lymph node metastasis. The local recurrent rate in palpable lymph node group was significantly higher than the non-palpable lymph node group. Conclusions Careful palpation, B type ultrasonography, exploratory operation and frozen section are very important factors to heighten diagnosis of PTMC. We believe that PTMC could be divided into two subsets: with the former of non-aggressive behaviors treated by conservative surgery, and the later of a potentially aggressive clinical course treated by a more aggressive procedure.