CQ19. Does Dissection of the Lateral Compartment Improve the Prognosis of Papillary Carcinoma Patients

Cases of papillary carcinoma with lymph node swelling are high-risk for recurrence. Lymph node dissection is widely considered necessary not only for cases having palpable lymph node metastasis, but also for those with lymph node swelling detectable on ultrasonography, which is regarded as therapeutic lymph node dissection. In contrast, negative opinions are predominant for prophylactic lymph node dissection for patients having no clinical node metastasis on palpation or imaging studies. The significance of lateral node dissection for papillary carcinoma is discussed based on this background.