Role of prophylactic central neck lymph node dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma in the era of de-escalation

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy.While there has been no appreciable increase in the observed mortality of well-differentiated thyroid cancer,there has been an overall rise in its incidence worldwide over the last few decades.Patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC)and clinical evidence of central(cN1)and/or lateral lymph node metastases require total thyroidectomy plus central and/or lateral neck dissection as the initial surgical treatment.Nodal status in PTC patients plays a crucial role in the prognostic evaluation of the recurrence risk.The 2015 guidelines of the American Thyroid Association(ATA)have more accurately determined the indications for therapeutic central and lateral lymph node dissection.However,prophylactic central neck lymph node dissection(pCND)in negative lymph node(cN0)PTC patients is controversial,as the 2009 ATA guidelines recommended that CND“should be considered”routinely in patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for PTC.Although the current guidelines show clear indications for therapeutic CND,the role of pCND in cN0 patients with PTC is still debated.In small solitary papillary carcinoma(T1,T2),pCND is not recommended unless there are high-risk prediction factors for recurrence and diffuse nodal spread(extrathyroid extension,mutation in the BRAF gene).pCND can be considered in cN0 disease with advanced primary tumors(T3 or T4)or clinical lateral neck disease(cN1b)or for staging and treatment planning purposes.The role of the preoperative evaluation is fundamental to minimizing the possible detrimental effect of overtreatment of the types of patients who are associated with low disease-related morbidity and mortality.On the other hand,it determines the choice of appropriate treatment and determines if close monitoring of patients at a higher risk is needed.Thus,pCND is currently recommended for T3 and T4 tumors but not for T1 and T2 tumors without high-risk prediction factors of recurrence.

Neck observation versus elective neck dissection in management of clinical T1/2N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective study of 232 patients

Objective: The management of early-stage (cT1/2N0) oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains a controversial issue. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of neck observation (OBS) and elective neck dissection (END) in treating patients with cT1/2N0 OSCC. Methods: A total of 232 patients with cT1/2N0 OSCC were included in this retrospective study. Of these patients, 181 were treated with END and 51 with OBS. The survival curves of 5-year overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method for each group, and compared using the Log-rank test. Results: There was no significant difference in 5-year OS and DSS rates between END and OBS groups (OS: 89.0% vs. 88.2%, P=0.906; DSS: 92.3% vs. 92.2%, P=0.998). However, the END group had a higher 5-year RFS rate than the OBS group (90.1% vs. 76.5%, P=0.009). Patients with occult metastases in OBS group (7/51) had similar 5-year OS rate (57.1% vs. 64.1%, P=0.839) and DSS rate (71.4% vs. 74.4%, P=0.982) to those in END group (39/181). In the regional recurrence patients, the 5-year OS rate (57.1% vs. 11.1%, P=0.011) and DSS rate (71.4% vs. 22.2%, P=0.022) in OBS group (7/51) were higher than those in END group (9/181). Conclusions: The results indicated that OBS policy could obtain the same 5-year OS and DSS as END. Under close follow-up, OBS policy may be an available treatment option for patients with clinical T1/2N0 OSCC.

THE UNILATERAL BIG HOCKEY STICK INCISION FOR NECK DISSECTION IN THYROID CARCINOMA

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and advantages of the unilateral big hockey stick incision in thyroid carcinoma. Method: Neck dissection using the unilateral big hockey stick incision was performed on 23 patients with thyroid carcinoma. Results: The big hockey stick incision results in a cosmetic scar which is barely visible and easily covered by hair or clothing, while it provides sufficient exposure of the operation field. A small area of marginal necrosis is occasionally seen at the apex of the skin flap due to preoperative radiotherapy. Conclusion: The unilateral big hockey stick incision has adequate surgical access, good healing of skin flaps, and a good cosmetic result.

Neck dissection for recurrent and persistent lymph nodes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy： effect and choice

目的将在放射疗法以后与周期性、坚持的淋巴节点为鼻咽的癌的病人调查最好的外科的模式。有在放射疗法以后的周期性、坚持的淋巴节点的鼻咽的癌的 88 个病人的临床的数据回顾地被分析的方法。在层次之中的深奥淋巴节点和关系的层次被分析；幸存率和包括激进的颈解剖(RND ) 的外科的模式的周期性的率，修改的激进的颈解剖(MRND ) ，选择的颈解剖(SND ) ，和淋巴节点切除术(LNR ) 被分析；手术后的放射疗法的角色被评估。周期性、坚持的淋巴节点主要在水平 II 定位了的结果( 1 )(55.6%和58.6%，分别地)，下次是水平 III 并且很少在水平 IV ， V ，并且我，而是层次 IV 的数字， V ，并且我与忍受癌症的淋巴结是相对多于临床的测量的。(2 ) 通常，有涉及水平 III 和 IV 的淋巴节点的病人把另外的层次同时深奥；百分比分别地是 63.6% 和 88.9% 。然而，在水平 II 和 V 的淋巴节点主要被孤立。(3 )5 年的幸存率和整个组的周期性的率分别地是 42.77% 和 22.7% 。(4 ) RND， MRND， SND，和 LMR 组的 5 年的幸存率分别地是 39.75% ， 60.00% ， 37.87% ，和 44.10% ；差别是不足道的(木头等级 = 1.0， P = 0.8011 ) ；在广泛、本地的外科组之间的周期性的率是不足道的(X 2= 0.470， P = 0.493 ) 。(5 ) 有或没有手术后的放射疗法的病人的 5 年的幸存率分别地是 39.06% 和 45.26% ；差别是不足道的(木头等级 = 0.06， P = 0.8138 ) 。当周期性、坚持的淋巴结是超过一水平时，广泛的外科被推荐的结论包含了或很大或不可移动不那样， SND 应该被执行，手术后的放射疗法如果必要是重要赔偿。

Correlation between Central and Lateral Neck Dissection in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

Objective: To determine the histopathological correlation between central and lateral neck metastasis in differentiated thyroid carcinoma, and its potential therapeutic impact. Although the central neck dissection (CND) is recommended in differentiated thyroid carcinoma, the indication for lateral neck dissection (LND) remains controversial. Design: Retrospective study. Methods and Main Outcome Measures: Pathological analysis of systematic ipsilateral central neck dissection (CND) and LND performed with total thyroidectomy in differentiated thyroid carcinoma was retrospectively reviewed according to “side” and to “patient”. Results: A total of 56 sides (46 patients) were suitable for analysis. Analysis by “side” revealed that CND and LND dissection samples were both negative in 15 cases, both positive in 32, CND was positive and LND was negative for 8 cases and CND was negative and LND was positive in 1 case. The combined presence of positive LND and positive CND was therefore observed in 32/40 “sides” and 26/46 “patients”. Analysis by “side” of the impact of the treatment decision to perform ipsilateral LND only in patients with positive CND and vice versa demonstrated a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 97%, 65%, and 84%, respectively. Conclusions: In most cases, the presence of positive LND was associated with positive ipsilateral CND. The very low prevalence of positive LND in patients with negative CND may justify LND as a second step procedure only in patients with positive CND, except in the case of documented lateral neck metastasis.

UNILATERAL BIG HOCKEY STICK INCISION FOR NECK DISSECTION IN HEAD AND NECK CARCINOMA

Objective: To investigate for the feasibility and advantages performed by the unilateral big hockey stick incision (BHSI) in head and neck carcinoma. Methods: Neck dissection by using the unilateral big hockey stick incision (BHSI) was performed on 93 patients with head and neck carcinoma. Results: The big hockey stick incision has a cosmetic scar and not scar contraction and is barely visible and easily covered in hair and clothing; sufficient exposure of the operation field; a small area of marginal necrosis was occasionally seen at the apex of the skin flap due to having preoperative radiotherapy. Conclusion: The unilateral big hockey stick incision has adequate surgical access, good healing of skin flaps, and a good cosmetic result.

Is Routine Bilateral Neck Dissection Absolutely Necessary in the Management of N0 CT Negative Neck in Patients with T4 Laryngeal Head and Neck Carcinoma?

Objectives: Elective neck treatment of clinically N0 patients in patients with head and neck carcinomas is widely accepted as a standard approach. However, the issue whether elective neck treatment should routinely be directed on both sides of the neck is still controversial. The present study is aimed at determining whether T4 staged head and neck carcinomas required bilateral neck dissection in the management clinically No necks especially CT negative cervical nodes. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with advanced head and neck disease who received bilateral neck dissection. All the patients had curative surgery as their initial treatment for the primary tumor and the neck. Results: All the 28 consecutive patients had T4 staged primary laryngeal cancer. Patients with clinically and radiologically N+ disease had invaded lymph node metastases in all cases. Patients staged clinically and radiologically N0 had no invaded cervical lymph nodes found by pathologic examination. Patients staged clinically N0 and radiologically N+ had invaded cervical lymph nodes in 8/12 cases and in 50% (4/8) of the cases bilaterally. Conclusion: This study showed the importance on adequate clinical and radiological staging. By patients with advanced disease clinically and radiologically N0, bilateral neck dissection should not be necessary. But in patients radiologically N+, routine bilateral neck dissection is beneficial.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy as Guidance for Lateral Neck Dissection in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Introduction: The surgical management of lateral lymph nodes in differentiated thyroid carcinoma is controversies. Therefore, we analyzed whether sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) biopsy of the first draining nodes in the jugulo-carotid chain is an accurate technique to select patients with true-positive but nonpalpable lymph nodes for selective lateral node dissection. Materials and Methods: From January 2009 to December 2009, 12 patients with solitary papillary carcinoma measuring 2 cm by ultrasonography were included in this study. After the thyroid gland was exposed to avoid injuring the lateral thyroid lymphatic connection, approximately 0.2 ml of 5mg/ml indocyanine green was injected into the parenchyma of upper and lower thyroid gland. Some stained lymph nodes in the jugulo-carotid chain could be identified following the stained lymphatic duct and dissected as the SLN. After that, thyroidectomy with modified neck dissection was performed. Results: The mean tumor size was 22.1 ± 4.6 mm. Identification and biopsy of stained SLN in the ipsilateral jugulo-carotid chain was successful in all 12 cases. In 6 cases, histopathological analysis of SLNs revealed metastases of the papillary thyroid carcinoma. Among them, 2 cases had additional metastatic lymph nodes in the ipsilateral compartment. Of the 6 patients who had negative lymph node metastasis (LNM) in SLNs, all patients had negative LNM in the ipsilateral compartment. Conclusions: The method may be helpful in the detection of true-positive but nonpalpable lymph nodes and may support a decision to perform a selective lateral node dissection in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Unexpected Airway Obstruction Caused by Bilateral Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy Following Second Radical Neck Dissection

A 67-year-old woman underwent right radical neck dissection for cervical lymph node metastasis from maxillary gingival carcinoma. Two months later, metastasis in the left superior internal jugular lymph nodes were discovered, and left radical neck dissection was performed. Postoperatively, airway obstruction occurred despite performing extubation after confirming that the patient had fully recovered from anesthesia. Bilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy was diagnosed and the patient was reintubated. After extubation on the following day, airway obstruction was relieved, but slurred speech and impaired swallowing were persistent. In view of this, hypoglossal nerve function should be examined before the second radical neck dissection on the contralateral side.

The launch of a special issue on “Neck Dissection in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma” in Gland Surgery

Given the high incidence of cervical lymph node metastasis in differentiated thyroid cancer （DTC） and the rapidly increased importance of neck dissection in DTC, the journal of Gland Surgery is launching a special issue on ＂Neck Dissection in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma＂ in November Issue of 2013, inviting Dr. Xinying Li from Xiangya Hospital, China, as the guest editor.

A new device for the identification of lymph nodes removed during different types of neck dissection

Meticulous mapping of the lymph node status is a general principle in present-day head and neck surgery. The removal of a certain number of lymphatic levels during neck dissection may well be therapeutic in intent, but it is also mandatory for correct tumour staging. We pre- sent a precise lymph node mapping during dif- ferent types of neck dissection in the course of major head and neck surgery by a sterile plastic tray moulded in the shape of the neck. This de- vice makes lymph node mapping simpler, safer, quicker and methodically more structured than any of the present methods. It facilitates the work of the pathologist and the flow of reliable information along the surgeon-pathologist- oncologist chain. With this device, a more stru- ctured, methodical means of lymph node removal has become possible.

Small undifferentiated intramucosal gastric cancer with lymph-node metastasis:Case report

It has been reported recently that small undifferentiated intramucosal early gastric cancer(EGC) < 20 mm in size without any lymphovascular involvement or ulcerative findings had virtually no risk of lymph-node(LN) metastasis.Consequently,the indications for endoscopic resection were expanded to include such undifferentiated EGC lesions.We describe herein a case of a small undifferentiated intramucosal EGC < 20 mm in size without lymphovascular involvement or ulcerative findings that involved lymph-node metastasis.A 57-year-old female underwent pylorus preserving gastrectomy as standard treatment for an undifferentiated EGC 15 mm in size without any ulcerative finding.The surgical specimen revealed a signet-ring cell carcinoma with a moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma limited to the mucosa that was 15 mm in size with no lymphovascular involvement or ulcerative findings.This case involved LN metastasis,however,and the lesion was diagnosed as pathological stage ⅡA(T1N2M0) according to the Japanese Classification of Gastric Carcinoma.

Upper mediastinal and paratracheal node dissection in total (pharyngo) laryngectomy, it is really indicated?

Introduction: Advanced laryngeal and hypopharyn- geal cancers are aggressive tumors with a poor prog- nosis. Multiple lymph node metastases often occur in the neck as well as in the upper mediastinum and thus upper mediastinal dissection is crucial to im- proving the cure rate. However, excessive mediastinal dissection can increase postoperative morbidity and mortality making it important to employ the proper technique and appropriate extent of dissection. In the present study, we aimed to determine the need and the prognostic importance of mediastinal dissection in patients with advanced carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract. Methods: A retrospective review of the records of 30 patients who underwent (phar- ynxgo) laryngectomy for advanced squamous cell carcinomas was done. 17 patients had laryngeal car- cinomas, 13 had hypopharyngeal carcinomas. The mediastinal dissection was designed to remove mainly the paratracheal and retrooesophageal lymph nodes. Results: 60 neck dissections and 30 mediastinal dis- section were performed in 30 patients and yielded positive nodes were found in 20/30 patients. Neck nodes were positive in 9/17 of the patients with la-ryngeal cancer and 11/13 of the patients with hypo- pharyngeal cancers respectively. Positive nodes were detected in the neck regardless of T stage. The medi- astinal nodes were positive in 0% of the patients with laryngeal cancer. Upper mediastinal metastases were detected positive in 6/13 of the hypopharyngeal pa-tients. In these patients, mediastinal metastases were associated with tumors greater than 35 mm. The ma- jority of positive paratracheal nodes were less than 1 cm in diameter and appeared negative preoperatively. 0% of the patients had positive paratracheal nodes alone in a histologically negative cervical neck dissec-tion Regarding the appropriate extent of dissection, no major complications were observed. Conclusions: There is little controversy about neck dissection in advanced tumors of the (pharyngo) larynx. Laryn- geal carcinomas showed no positive mediastinal no- des in this series. The study highlighted the propen- sity of advanced hypopharyngeal cancers to involve the paratracheal nodes.

Bilateral chylothorax following left supraclavicular lymph node dissection for breast cancer: one case report and literature review

Chylothorax is a rare complication of neck dissection, and bilateral chylothorax is even rarer. However, both are potentially serious and sometimes life-threatening, especially those that are associated with left neck dissection for head and neck neoplasms. We report one case of bilateral chylothorax following left supraclavicular dissection for breast cancer. This case was treated successfully with a new conservative management approach.

改良式小切口病灶清除术联合功能性颈淋巴结清扫术对颈部淋巴结核的治疗效果观察

目的探讨改良式小切口病灶清除术联合功能性颈淋巴结清扫术(FND)治疗颈部淋巴结核的临床效果。方法选取2020年8月至2022年8月河北省胸科医院普外科收治的颈部淋巴结核患者104例,采用随机数字表法分为观察组和对照组,每组52例。观察组采用改良式小切口病灶清除术联合FND治疗,对照组采用常规切口病灶清除术联合FND治疗。比较两组的治疗效果、手术相关指标、切口愈合情况、术后疼痛程度及并发症发生情况。结果两组治疗总有效率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。观察组术中出血量少于对照组,手术时间、切口长度、引流管拔除时间、住院时间、切口瘢痕长度、切口愈合时间短于对照组,切口愈合良好率高于对照组,术后12、24、48、72 h静息及活动状态下的疼痛视觉模拟量表评分低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组术后并发症发生率为3.85%,明显低于对照组的17.31%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论改良式小切口病灶清除术联合FND治疗颈部淋巴结核可促进术后恢复及切口愈合,减轻术后疼痛,且并发症较少,值得临床应用。

传入压力反射衰竭合并低钠血症1例

传入压力反射衰竭(afferent baroreflex failure,ABF)是一种罕见的疾病,该病是指由压力反射传入支或髓质水平的中央连接受损引起的临床综合征。本文报道1例颈部放射治疗及颈淋巴结清扫术后ABF导致波动性高血压合并神经源性直立性低血压(neurogenic orthostatic hypotension,nOH)及低钠血症的患者,以期警示临床医生关注颈部放射治疗或颈部手术患者。

经侧方颈纹入路行选择性颈淋巴结清扫术的临床初探

目的 探索侧方颈纹入路在早期口腔恶性肿瘤患者行选择性淋巴结清扫术中的应用。方法 选择我院2020年12月至2022年3月收治的22例早期口腔恶性肿瘤患者,原发病灶切除后行选择性颈淋巴结清扫术,分为侧方颈纹入路和常规下颌下入路两组,对手术情况、肩功能及颈部美观评分进行分析。结果 两组患者在手术时间、术中出血量、术后引流量、淋巴结数目、淋巴结分期和肩功能评分没有统计学差异;侧方颈纹入路患者术后6个月颈部外观评分高于下颌下入路,差异有统计学差异(P<0.05)。结论 经侧方颈纹入路行早期口腔恶性肿瘤患者选择性颈淋巴结清扫术,安全有效,美观评分更高。

Sternocleidomastoid flap for reconstruction of tongue small cell carcinoma: A case report

BACKGROUND The management of tongue carcinoma is excision and radical neck dissection followed with reconstruction.This is a case report of a patient with tongue squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)who underwent the procedure with sternocleidomastoid(SCM)flap reconstruction.CASE SUMMARY A 52-year-old woman without smoking history complained tongue ulcer since 3 years ago.Based on the histopathological examination,the patient was diagnosed with T2N2M0 right tongue SCC and underwent wide excision of tumor;right mandibular;neck dissection and were reconstructed with SCM flap.CONCLUSION SCC of the tongue requires wide excision and dissection of the neck and mandible if infiltration into the surrounding lymph nodes has been found.The SCM flap reconstruction could be used post-surgery.

A critical readability and quality analysis of internet-based patient information on neck dissections

Objective:Patients are increasingly turning to the Internet as a source of healthcare information.Given that neck dissection is a common procedure within the field of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery,the aim of this study was to evaluate the quality and readability of online patient education materials on neck dissection.Methods:A Google search was performed using the term"neck dissection."The first 10 pages of a Google search using the term"neck dissection"were analyzed.The DISCERN instrument was used to assess quality of information.Readability was calculated using the Flesch-Reading Ease,Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level,Gunning-Fog Index,Coleman-Liau Index,and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook Index.Results:Thirty-one online patient education materials were included.Fifty-five percent(n=17)of results originated from academic institutions or hospitals.The mean Flesch-Reading Ease score was 61.2±11.9.Fifty-two percent(n=16)of patient education materials had Flesch-Reading Ease scores above the recommended score of 65.The average reading grade level was 10.5±2.1.The average total DISCERN score was 43.6±10.1.Only 26%of patient education materials(PEMs)had DISCERN scores corresponding to a"good quality"rating.There was a significant positive correlation between DISCERN scores and both Flesch-Reading Ease scores and average reading grade level.Conclusions:The majority of patient education materials were written above the recommended sixth-grade reading level and the quality of online information pertaining to neck dissections was found to be suboptimal.This research highlights the need for patient education materials regarding neck dissection that are high quality and easily understandable by patients.

A review of clinical and histological parameters associated with contralateral neck metastases in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma （OSCC） has a high incidence of cervical micrometastases and sometimes metastasizes contralaterally because of the rich lymphatic intercommunications relative to submucosal plexus of oral cavity that freely communicate across the midline, and it can facilitate the spread of neoplastic cells to any area of the neck consequently. Clinical and histopathologic factors continue to provide predictive information to contralateral neck metastases （CLNM） in OSCC, which determine prophylactic and adjuvant treatments for an individual patient. This review describes the predictive value of clinical-histopathologic factors, which relate to primary tumor and cervical lymph nodes, and surgical dissection and adjuvant treatments. In addition, the indications for elective contralateral neck dissection and adjuvant radiotherapy （aRT） and strategies for follow-up are offered, which is strongly focused by clinicians to prevent later CLNM and poor prognosis subsequently.