Neck lymph node removal, also known as neck dissection, is performed surgically. The surgeon makes a cut (incision) in the neck to remove the lymph nodes.
Neck Dissection: The Surgical Procedure
During a neck dissection, a surgeon removes lymph nodes from the neck. The extent of the surgery can vary.
- Incision: The surgeon will make an incision in your neck to access the lymph nodes.
- Lymph Node Removal: The affected lymph nodes are carefully removed.
- Possible Removal of Other Tissue: Depending on the type of neck dissection needed, the surgeon may also remove other tissue in the area.
Types of Neck Dissection
There are different types of neck dissection, depending on how much tissue is removed.
- Selective Neck Dissection: This type removes only those lymph nodes where cancer is very likely to spread.
- Other types involve removing more extensive tissue in the neck, depending on the situation.
Here's a simplified table illustrating the different types of neck dissection:
| Type of Neck Dissection | Description |
|---|---|
| Selective | Removes only lymph nodes with a high risk of cancer spread. |
| Other Types | May involve removing additional tissue besides just the lymph nodes. |
