ObjectiveTo analyze the relevant factors of levelⅡlymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carci-noma. MethodsThe clinicopathologic data of 83 patients from November 2011 to March 2014 were analyzed retrospec-tively. All the primary tumors were papillary thyroid carcinoma located in unilateral lobe with ipsilateral lateral neck lymph node metastasis. The relationship of gender, age, microcarcinoma, superior pole involved by carcinoma, integrated tumor capsule, or extranodal invasion to levelⅡlymph node metastasis was analyzed. The calculated data were analyzed with Chi-Square test and there was significant difference when P < 0.05. ResultsThe rate of lymph node metastasis at levelⅡ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, Ⅴ, Ⅵwas 51.8% (43/83), 78.3% (65/83), 71.7% (59/83), 4.8% (4/56), and 79.5% (66/83), respectively. There was no significant relationship of gender, age, microcarcinoma, integrated tumor capsule, or extranodal invasion to levelⅡlymph node metastasis (P > 0.05). The rate of lymph node metastasis at levelⅡwas significantly higher when superior pole involved by carcinoma (P < 0.05). ConclusionAmong the patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma, when superior pole involved by carcinoma the patient should be underwent selective neck dissection, the proper extent of dissection including levelⅡshould be performed.