Neck dissection in the management of thyroid cancer: An overview

Abstract

Lymph node metastases in thyroid cancer significantly influence staging, prognosis, and surgical management. The decision to perform a neck dissection primarily depends on the type of thyroid cancer. In differentiated thyroid cancer (papillary and follicular), neck dissections are typically only performed when lymph node metastases are present. In undifferentiated thyroid cancer (medullary and anaplastic), there is a role for prophylactic neck dissection in certain scenarios. One principle shared by all types of thyroid cancer is that neck dissections should be compartment-oriented and are guided by the location and extent of disease. This review outlines the cervical lymph node anatomy, indication for neck dissection, and surgical techniques.