Neck dissection is defined as removing tissues in the neck that contain cancer cells or are suspected of containing cancer cells. Lymph nodes are located at the front of the neck. Like other organs, these nodes are a part of the body. They collect unhealthy tissues and waste substances present in the body. They gradually gather these materials within themselves and, while breaking them down, also help ensure their elimination.
If there is a cancerous tissue and there is a possibility that this cancerous tissue may spread to the lymph nodes, then cleaning the neck tissues together with the cancerous area is considered appropriate.
What Is Neck Dissection?
What is neck dissection? Cancers located in the head and neck region can spread to the lymph nodes. In such cases, it may be necessary to remove these neck nodes in addition to the tumor tissue. Neck dissection surgery is sometimes a procedure that may also require removal of other structures such as muscles and vessels along with the lymph nodes. It is considered a complex operation.
Depending on the tumor type, its location, and the patient’s condition, variations may occur in the procedure to be performed. These operations may be carried out while removing the tumor in the head and neck region, or sometimes they may be performed later. In general, it is observed that most procedures progress primarily according to the patient’s condition.
Symptoms Indicating the Need for Neck Dissection
Symptoms indicating the need for neck dissection are generally associated with situations where head and neck tumors are present. In other words, neck dissection surgery is performed for patients who have head and neck tumors. The most prominent signs include the following:
- Swelling in the head and neck area
- Non-healing sores on the tongue, lips, or inside the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Ear pain
- Facial paralysis
- Hoarseness
- Nasal congestion
- Hearing loss
Neck Dissection Surgery
For neck dissection surgery, general anesthesia must first be administered to the patient. Depending on the reason it is performed, different dissection techniques may be used. However, in most cases, the lymph nodes are removed together with the surrounding fatty tissues during neck dissection. Depending on the location of the tumor, sometimes all lymph nodes on both sides of the neck may be removed, along with neck nerves, muscles, and blood vessels.
Incisions are made in the middle part of the neck, above the collarbones, or under the jaw. Scars may form at the incision sites. By removing the lymph nodes, the spread of the tumor is attempted to be prevented. It is a procedure performed to clear the area.
After Neck Dissection Surgery
After neck dissection surgery, the patient is monitored for 1 hour and then transferred to their room. After surgery, complaints such as nausea due to anesthesia may occur. If this happens, the observation period may be extended. To prevent lymph fluid and blood from collecting under the skin in the neck area, drains are placed. These drains generally remain in place for a few days.
What Are the Reasons for Neck Dissection?
What are the reasons for neck dissection? This operation is performed when a cancer develops and there is a high likelihood that it may spread to the neck tissues in the head and neck region. Among the most common tumor types are tonsil tumors, tongue tumors, and tumors of the supraglottic (upper laryngeal) region. In these types of tumor diseases, cancer cells can spread significantly to the neck tissues, cervical lymph glands, and lymph nodes.
In such cases, neck dissection is considered necessary. It is also known that even when such spread is not present, neck dissection may still be performed in addition to the primary treatment approach.
