Selective Neck Dissection Versus Modified Neck Dissection in PTC

This trial is comparing two different surgical approaches for removing lymph nodes in the neck in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) that has spread to nearby lymph nodes — selective neck dissection (removing only the specific lymph node area involved) versus modified radical neck dissection (a more extensive removal). The goal is to see if the less extensive approach is equally effective with fewer side effects. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 14–80 years old with confirmed papillary thyroid cancer - A biopsy has confirmed lymph node spread specifically to the lateral neck (compartment IV) - You have only 1–2 involved lymph nodes, each smaller than 1 cm short diameter - Your thyroid tumor has not spread through the thyroid capsule **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have had previous neck surgery - You need lymph node removal on both sides of the neck - Your cancer has spread to distant organs - You have high-risk pathological features or other high-risk factors for recurrence - You cannot return for follow-up appointments Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.