Neck Dissection
A surgical procedure to remove cervical lymph nodes and associated structures for staging or treatment of head-and-neck malignancy, classified by the levels of nodes removed.
Full Definition
Neck dissection is performed to remove regional lymph nodes from defined anatomical levels (I–VI) of the neck, either as part of oncological resection (therapeutic) or prophylactically when nodal metastasis is suspected (elective). The American Head and Neck Society classification distinguishes selective, modified radical, and radical neck dissections based on the structures preserved or removed. Editors reviewing oncology or oral surgery manuscripts must ensure the correct classification term is used and that the lymph node levels removed are specified in Roman numerals (e.g., levels I–III). Abbreviations such as SND (selective neck dissection) and MRND (modified radical neck dissection) should be defined on first use. The procedure name is always two words, lowercase except at sentence start.
Usage
Usage note: Specify node levels in Roman numerals and the dissection type (selective/modified radical/radical). Define SND, MRND, and RND at first use. Do not use 'neck dissection' as a synonym for lymph node biopsy.
In Context
- "A selective neck dissection (levels I–III) was performed ipsilaterally at the time of primary tumour resection." — Oncology operative note
- "The staging report must document the number of lymph nodes retrieved and their pathological status following neck dissection." — Histopathology reporting guideline