Nicole, cancer can spread in different ways:
- through the bloodstream or lymphatic system
- by growing into nearby healthy tissues
See this helpful article that explains more fully:
- How Cancer Spreads https://www.cancer.gov/types/metastatic-cancer

Hurthle cell carcinoma, which is a variant of follicular thyroid cancer, that can spread to regional lymph nodes. If they were negative, then there may not be reason to remove further lymph nodes at this time, but continue to monitor through regular follow-up appointments that include exams, blood tests, and maybe other tests to see if the cancer has come back.

Your questions are very good questions for which I can only share general answers. I encourage you to ask these same questions of your cancer team so that they can confirm more specifically about which lymph nodes were tested and are 2 nodes enough, as well as discuss your follow-up regimen. Share your concern about spread so that they can tell you about the plan.