Neck dissection

Neck dissection is a surgical procedure for the removal of lymph nodes and surrounding tissue in the neck to treat cancer. The procedure is often used to treat head and neck cancers, including oral cancer, laryngeal cancer, pharyngeal cancer, and thyroid cancer.

Types of Neck Dissection

There are three main types of neck dissection:

1. Radical neck dissection: This is the most extensive type of neck dissection. It involves the removal of all lymph nodes from one side of the neck, the muscle that helps turn the head, a major vein, and sometimes a nerve that helps raise the arm.
2. Modified radical neck dissection: This procedure removes most lymph nodes on one side of the neck between the jawbone and collarbone, but does not remove muscles, nerves, and veins unless they are involved with a tumor.
3. Selective neck dissection: This procedure removes fewer lymph nodes and is used primarily for early-stage cancers.

Procedure

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the neck and removes the lymph nodes and other tissue. The incision is then closed with stitches. The procedure can take several hours to complete.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with neck dissection. These may include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Nerve damage
• Difficulty swallowing
• Change in voice

Recovery

Recovery from a neck dissection can take several weeks. Patients may need to stay in the hospital for a few days after the surgery. They may also need physical therapy to help regain strength and movement in the neck and shoulder.

See Also

• Head and neck cancer
• Lymph node
• Surgery

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  Diagram showing the scar line after lymph node dissection in the neck
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  Neck dissection