A new N category for cancer of the cervical esophagus based on lymph node compartments

Background There remains controversy over what constitutes the optimal rational extent of lymphadenectomy, in other words, the concept of rational lymphadenectomy, for cancer of the cervical esophagus. The purpose of this study was to propose the concept of a rational N category for cancer of the cervical esophagus that indicates more clearly which cluster(s) of lymph nodes should be resected during resection of a cancer of the cervical esophagus.