[Appropriate extent of lymph node dissection in thyroid cancer]

Surgery is not always necessary for micro cancer (less than 1.0 cm in diameter). In surgery of micro cancer, we recommended to dissect only the central compartment (pretracheal [II]/paratracheal [III] area). In patient with cancer (more than 1.0 cm in diameter), lymph nodes in the central compartment, ispirateral supraclavicular area, and jugulocarotid chain (V and VI) should be dissected. Even in incomplete surgery, lymph node dissection of the central compartment is warranted in patients with papillary cancer, because recurrence in the central compartment results in dyspnea and/or hemosptum, lowering the quality of life.