[Surgical strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer].

Results of examination of 215 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (papillary, follicular, medullary) with various degrees of involvement of regional lymph nodes in the process are presented. The follow-up observation lasted from 2 till 10 years. It was established that metastases most frequently affect the jugular group of nodes so it was chosen for investigation in order to detect the micro-metastases at the subclinic stage. Division of the surgical treatment into two stages (biopsy of the regional lymph nodes and lymphodissection within 2-3 months in case of metastases) has allowed to improve early results and not worsen long-term results of treatment.