Neck surgery refers to a group of surgical procedures performed to treat diseases affecting the structures of the neck, including lymph nodes, salivary glands, thyroid gland, blood vessels, nerves, and surrounding soft tissues. It is commonly done for conditions such as neck cancers, metastatic lymph nodes, infections, cysts, and benign or malignant tumors. The primary goal of neck surgery is to remove diseased tissue safely while preserving important functions like swallowing, speech, breathing, and shoulder movement. Depending on the condition, procedures may range from simple excisions to complex neck dissections, often planned with imaging guidance and a multidisciplinary approach to ensure optimal outcomes and minimal complications.
Neck dissection is a specialized surgical technique used to remove lymph nodes and surrounding tissues when cancer has spread or is at high risk of spread, while carefully preserving vital structures to maintain function and quality of life.