Abstract: Papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC) has a high incidence of lateral cervical lymph node metastasis,and several issues persist in its diagnosis and treatment.When preoperative cytological diagnosis of lateral cervical lymph nodes is indeterminate,there is no unified standard for determining positivity based on thyroglobulin measurement in needle washout fluid.For T_1-2 PTC with ipsilateral lateral cervical lymph node metastasis but without high-risk factors,the optimal extent of gland resection remains controversial.Furthermore,the appropriate range of neck dissection for PTC with lateral cervical lymph node metastasis has not reached a consensus.This article analyzes and discusses these issues by integrating international guidelines and the current situation in China,aiming to provide references for domestic colleagues.

Key words: papillary thyroid carcinoma; surgical treatment; total thyroidectomy; lobectomy; neck lymph node dissection