J Korean Thyroid Assoc.  2014 Nov;7(2):140-148. 10.11106/cet.2014.7.2.140.

Central Neck Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

• Lee KD
• Lee HS

• KMID: 2095125
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11106/cet.2014.7.2.140

Abstract

Considering the relatively good prognosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma, surgical treatment should be conducted with an adequate method and extent of surgery with minimal complications. The optimal indications and extent of central neck dissection in papillary thyroid carcinoma has been introduced by variable guidelines. However, there have been controversies in several aspects regarding central neck dissection (i.e., prophylactic versus therapeutic, unilateral versus bilateral), which will remain until a large prospective study is completed. Successful management of cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma requires thorough preoperative evaluation, knowledge on adequate indications and extent of surgery and considerations on surgical anatomy. In this article, we reviewed the rationales for optimal central neck dissection in papillary thyroid carcinoma based on recent studies and presented the surgical strategy and skills based on personal experience of a single surgeon.

Keyword

Thyroid cancer; Papillary thyroid carcinoma; Lymph node; Central neck dissection

MeSH Terms

Humans
Lymph Nodes
Neck Dissection*
Neoplasm Metastasis
Prognosis
Thyroid Neoplasms*

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1. Detailed anterior view of the central neck compartment indicating locations of lymph node basins. Prelaryngeal (Delphian, A), pre-tracheal (C), right (B) and left (D) paratracheal nodes.

Reference

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