Management of the neck in thyroid cancer.

The management of regional lymph nodes in thyroid carcinoma is guided by preoperative evaluation, histologic subtype, and often a consideration of data for potential benefit and morbidity of a neck dissection. The goal of lymphadenectomy is complete surgical resection of grossly evident metastatic disease and the removal of regional lymph node groups at highest risk for microscopic disease. Surgery should achieve disease eradication but preserve voice, airway, swallowing, and parathyroid function. This article discusses recommendations for addressing cervical lymph nodes in thyroid carcinoma, discusses current literature regarding the common histologic subtype (papillary carcinoma), and details our operative approach.