ABSTRACT
The clinical anatomy of the neck is similar and connected to the management of all Head and Neck Cancer (HNC). The neck may be divided into specific levels that are given in this chapter. The drainage of lymph of the virgin neck is very systematic and quite predictable; knowledge of lymph nodes with the pattern of the lymphatic drainage assists the operating surgeon to locate the primary tumor that has given rise to metastasis in neck nodes. A systematic and deeper clinical examination of the neck consistently documents the location of any swelling or mass. Palpation of the neck is the clinical examination key. It is done by holding the skin and underlying tissue and feeling the nodes between the long fingers and thumb to identify the underlying fixed structure. The relationship of a major structure to tumor mass, such as the thyroid gland, salivary gland, and carotid sheath, must be considered. This chapter describes the detailed technique of performing a neck dissection.
