Which specialist performs a neck dissection?

A neck dissection removes selected lymph nodes and nearby tissue from the neck when the treatment plan requires it. The surgeon chooses the area and extent of surgery from examination findings, scans, biopsy information, and the location of the tumour. Depending on the case, the operation may be combined with another head and neck procedure. Anaesthesia, nursing, pathology, speech and swallowing care, and oncology input can all form part of the wider plan.

Before surgery, give the team a full list of medicines and explain previous operations, allergies, smoking, and any swallowing or shoulder problems. Ask about drains, wound care, pain relief, and exercises for the neck and shoulder. Afterward, follow instructions for keeping the incision clean and attending pathology or follow-up appointments. Report new numbness, weakness, swallowing changes, or voice changes so the team can assess them.

Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, rapidly increasing neck swelling, heavy bleeding, or inability to swallow fluids. Contact the surgical team promptly for fever, spreading redness, pus, worsening pain, or a drain that stops working or fills suddenly. These symptoms need assessment because they can signal a postoperative problem.

Ask which surgeon will lead the operation, which lymph-node areas are planned for removal, how shoulder movement may be affected, and how the findings will guide further treatment.