Neck dissection is a surgical procedure performed to remove lymph nodes and surrounding tissue in the neck to treat or prevent the spread of cancer, particularly head and neck cancers. This surgery is typically done when cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or is at high risk of doing so. Neck dissection can be classified into several types, such as radical, modified radical, and selective, depending on the extent of tissue removal. In a radical neck dissection, all lymph nodes, along with certain muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, are removed, while a selective neck dissection targets only specific lymph nodes. The primary cause for neck dissection is cancer in regions like the mouth, throat, thyroid, or larynx that has spread or could spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. This procedure helps reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and can improve survival rates, especially when combined with other treatments like radiation or chemotherapy. Complications associated with neck dissection can include infection, bleeding, or seroma (fluid accumulation). Nerve damage is a common concern, which can result in numbness, weakness, or paralysis of facial muscles, shoulders, or tongue, depending on which nerves are affected. Other potential complications include stiffness, difficulty swallowing, or changes in appearance due to the removal of muscles or tissues. Despite these risks, neck dissection is a critical procedure for controlling cancer spread and improving long-term outcomes for patients with head and neck malignancies. Postoperative rehabilitation may be necessary to address functional impairments.
