ESTIMation of the ABiLity of Prophylactic Central Compartment Neck Dissection to Modify Outcomes in Low-risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

To be part of this study, you generally need to be at least 18 years old and speak French. Your thyroid cancer must be a specific type called 'papillary thyroid carcinoma' and it needs to be considered 'low-risk'. This usually means the lump in your thyroid is between 11mm and 40mm and there are no signs that the cancer has spread beyond the thyroid to other areas, especially to the lymph nodes in your neck. Doctors will check this carefully using scans and other tests.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your thyroid lump is smaller than 11mm or larger than 40mm, or if the cancer has clearly spread outside the thyroid. If you already have signs of cancer in your lymph nodes, or if you have other medical conditions that would make the surgery unsafe, you wouldn't be able to take part. Women who could become pregnant would need to use effective contraception if they receive certain treatments, like radioiodine, as part of their care after surgery.

Before you can join, you'll need to understand what the study involves and sign a consent form. You'll also need to be able to attend all the study appointments.

If you decide to take part, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two surgery groups: either having just your thyroid removed, or having your thyroid removed along with some nearby lymph nodes in your neck. This decision will happen before your surgery. If there's any doubt about your cancer type, doctors might confirm it during the operation before you're assigned to a group. After your surgery, the doctors will keep a close eye on your recovery and how you're doing over time to see how effective each treatment is.