When is neck dissection recommended for mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer can drain to lymph nodes in the neck. Neck dissection removes selected nodes so they can be examined and, when needed, treated. The operation may be done during removal of the mouth tumour, on one side or both sides, and with an extent tailored to the tumour site and clinical findings.

Your surgeon may consider the tumour’s position, depth, examination, scans and any known node involvement. Before consenting, discuss speech and swallowing, shoulder movement, numbness, drains, scarring and likely rehabilitation. Ask how the laboratory report will affect radiotherapy or other treatment.

Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, rapidly worsening swelling in the mouth or neck, heavy bleeding, inability to swallow fluids, or a high fever after surgery. A persistent mouth ulcer, new neck lump or worsening difficulty swallowing should be assessed promptly before treatment planning.

Ask why neck dissection is advised, which levels of lymph nodes would be removed, how the operation may affect movement and sensation, what recovery support is available, and what happens if cancer is found in the nodes.