A Nod to the Nodes
Lymph node metastasis in thyroid cancer is common and associated with an increased risk of locoregional recurrence (LRR). Although therapeutic central neck dissection is well established, prophylactic central node dissection (pCND) for microscopic occult nodal involvement is controversial and recommendations are based on low-level evidence. The potential benefits of pCND such as reducing LRR and re-operation, refining staging, and improving surveillance are enthusiastically debated and the decision to perform pCND must be weighed up against the increased risks of complications.
Source: Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America - Category: Surgery Authors: Robert Mechera, Isabella Mar échal-Ross, Stan B. Sidhu, Peter Campbell, Mark S. Sywak Source Type: research