Management of lateral neck nodes in common and aggressive variants of thyroid cancer

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Management of lateral neck nodes in common and aggressive variants of thyroid cancer Via Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery - Current Issue Purpose of review Although nodal metastasis in thyroid cancer does not have a major impact on outcome, it does have some prognostic implication in adverse metastasis and aggressive histology. The purpose of this review is to discuss evaluation and management of lateral neck nodes in thyroid cancer. Recent findings There is a high incidence of central and lateral neck node metastasis in thyroid cancer. Appropriate preoperative evaluation is key prior to first surgical procedure. The distribution of nodal metastasis is well recognized and so generally a modified neck dissection is recommended from levels II through V. The risk of nodal metastasis at level IIb is rare. The complications of lateral neck dissection, though rare, are of significant importance to the quality of life. Summary Appropriate preoperative evaluation, including good ultrasound and CT scan with contrast, is recommended. Preoperative FNA of the lateral neck node will be helpful, along with thyroglobulin management if indicated. The neck dissection should include significant levels of neck, avoiding neural injury. Nonsurgical therapies may be recommended in selected patients. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.