HEALTH PROFESSIONAL · SOURCE READING

Lateral neck dissection

Source: Childhood Thyroid Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version, National Cancer Institute.

Source updated: April 3, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.

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Context: Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (Papillary/Follicular) / Treatment of Papillary and Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma / Surgery

Modified radical neck dissection is reserved for biopsy-proven metastatic disease in the lateral compartment (levels II, III, IV, and V). Cytological confirmation of metastatic disease to lymph nodes in the lateral neck is recommended before surgery.

Routine prophylactic lateral neck dissection is not recommended.

Preserved source evidence · Not medical advice