BRAF: a tool in the decision to perform elective neck dissection?

Background: Some studies have demonstrated a correlation between the presence of a BRAF mutation and aggressive characteristics, including lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Prophylactic central neck dissection (CND) has been proposed for treatment of PTC. Given the potential complications of CND, we undertook a prospective study to determine the correlation between the BRAF mutation and lymph node metastasis.

Selective neck dissection for node-positive necks in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a word of caution.

Objective: To evaluate the regional recurrence (RR) rate in a consecutive series of patients with node-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (N(+) HNSCC) who underwent selective neck dissection (SND) as part of their treatment in a single institution.

Design: Retrospective case series with 2 years of follow-up.

Setting: Tertiary care university hospital.