Detection of lymph nodes starting to be involved by cancer spreading from the thyroid gland during operation is useful. It saves the patient from having a second operation to remove these nodes later on when they become obvious. The problem is that there are many lymph nodes around the gland. The theory is that only one node will get the first spill of the tumour cells. In this study the investigators are trying to use an inert colored material to inject into the tumour. This should run in the same path as the tumour cells and should therefore stain the one lymph node that will be affected first should the tumour spread. The stained lymph node is excised and examined instantaneously for tumour affection. If it is found to be affected by the tumour, then the operation is extended to include removal of all its fellow lymph nodes. If it is found to be free from the tumour, then this patient does not have tumour spread.
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The lymph nodes around the thyroid tumour will be removed and examined under microscopy in all study subjects to verify that the stained node is a true representative to the state of lymph nodes as regards tumour spread
Timeframe: the lymph nodes removed during the surgery will be examined the next day of the operation