You will have a drain tube coming from the incision which was placed during surgery to allow drainage and prevent any fluid accumulation. Once the lymph nodes are removed, the incision is closed with sutures or staples.įollowing the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room and monitored carefully. Depending on the type and location of the primary cancer and the extent of metastatic spread, your surgeon may modify this approach. The cervical lymph nodes can be removed by radical lymph node dissection which involves removal of the lymph nodes on the affected side of the neck along with certain non lymphatic structures such as the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the spinal accessory nerve and the internal jugular vein. Care is taken to avoid damage to important blood vessels and nerves. The type and location of the incision depends on the group of lymph nodes to be removed. Your surgeon makes an incision in the muscle at the front of the neck (platysma, under the chin. An endotracheal tube is placed to protect your airway. You are placed on your back in the supine position with the neck extended. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The aim of the procedure is to prevent cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. If there is a high likelihood of metastasis to a particular lymph node group your doctor will recommend removing that group to eliminate the cancer.Ĭervical lymph node dissection is performed as part of the surgical treatment for head and neck cancers such as those of the skin, oral cavity, pharynx and throat. Lymph node groups at risk for metastatic disease can usually be predicted by the size, location, and other characteristics of the primary tumor. Sometimes cancer cells may be present in the lymph nodes but cannot be detected by physical examination or imaging studies. The affected lymph nodes may be enlarged or feel abnormal when touched. The cancerous cells collect in the lymph nodes of the neck where they multiply and grow. Cervical lymph nodes are classified into different groups depending on their anatomical region.Ĭancers of the head and neck commonly metastasize or spread via the lymphatic route. They are grouped around certain neural and vascular structures. The cervical lymph nodes are located in the fibrous fatty tissue layer that surrounds the neck. Cervical lymph node dissection is performed to remove cancerous lymph nodes in the neck (cervical region). Surgery to remove enlarged lymph nodes is called lymph node dissection. The lymph nodes enlarge in the presence of infection, inflammation, or cancer. Lymph nodes are small glands present throughout the body that contain immune cells to help fight infection. The lymphatic system, comprised of lymph nodes and lymph vessels, is a major component of the body’s immune system.
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