Prophylactic Central Neck Dissection in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Procedure in Search of an Indication.

The authors discuss the prophylactic central neck dissection in differentiated thyroid cancer and issues regarding the extent of surgery for these cancers. They mention that disagreement on standard for the reporting and performance of central neck dissection has limited its evaluation. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) has recognized this limitation, and convened a subcommittee to clarify the definition of the prophylactic central neck dissection.