Lateral Neck Lymph Node Mapping in Thyroid Cancer

Lateral Neck Lymph Node Mapping in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

This study includes papillary thyroid cancer patients who have unpalpable lateral neck lymph nodes but suspicious on ultrasound and/or CT. Carbon nanoparticles is used as the tracer for lateral neck lymph node mapping.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Newly diagnosed papillary thyroid cancer
• The maximum diameter of the thyroid cancer <3 cm with enough normal thyroid tissue for tracer injection
• Unpalpable lateral neck lymph nodes
• Ultrasound and CT showed suspected lateral neck lymph nodes <2 cm

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previously treated thyroid cancer
• High risk thyroid cancer (e.g. with severe extra-adenial invasion or extensive lymph node metastasis or poorly differentiated thyroid cancer)
• Patients with distant metastasis