Current opinion in oncology
-
Clinically significant thyroid malignancies are relatively uncommon, although their prevalence in autopsy series ranges up to 11%. New data confirm an increased incidence of carcinoma in solitary thyroid nodules in younger patients and a greater likelihood for younger patients to present with metastatic disease. ⋯ Prophylactic neck dissection does not improve survival or lessen recurrence in differentiated thyroid cancers and may increase morbidity. It should, therefore, be reserved for the patient with clinically enlarged cervical nodes.