title: Nodal metastases in thyroid cancer: prognostic implications and management.
abstract: The significance of cervical lymph node metastases in differentiated thyroid cancer has been controversial and continues to evolve. Current staging systems consider nodal metastases to confer a poorer prognosis, particularly in older patients. Increasingly, the literature suggests that characteristics of the metastatic lymph nodes such as size and number are also prognostic. There is a growing trend toward less aggressive treatment of low-volume nodal disease. The aim of this review is to summarize the current literature and discuss prognostic and management implications of lymph node metastases in differentiated thyroid cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Head & Neck Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
authors.forename: Laura Y
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Head & Neck Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ganly
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D057832:Watchful Waiting
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor
keywords: lymph nodes; neck; neck dissection; outcomes; prognosis; radioactive iodine; recurrence; survival; thyroid cancer