What is Neck Dissection?
Neck Dissection is surgery that involves the removal of lymph nodes from the neck when a head and neck cancer has already spread to the nodes or is at high risk of doing so. It is done along with removal of the primary tumor (such as oral, thyroid, salivary, or laryngeal cancer). The neck contains many lymph nodes, which are often the first areas that head and neck cancers spread to. Complete treatment of head and neck cancers commonly involve removal of these involved nodes through neck dissection.
Medically reviewed by Jennifer Almelor-Alzaga, MD, board-certified Otolaryngologist (PSO-HNS), fellowship-trained in Head & Neck Oncologic Surgery. Last reviewed: October 3, 2026.
When is a neck dissection needed?
- ✓Head and neck cancer (tongue, thyroid, salivary, larynx) has spread to neck lymph nodes
- ✓The primary cancer has a high risk of spreading to the lymph nodes, even if the nodes look normal (also called elective neck dissection)
What to expect
At a Glance
- Purpose
- Remove neck nodes in head and neck cancer
- Often paired with
- Tumor removal + reconstruction
- Anesthesia
- General
- Hospital stay
- Varies by case
- Where
- Philippine General HospitalManila Doctors HospitalMakati Medical Center
Risks & What to Discuss with Your Surgeon
The risks of a neck dissection relate to the nerves, vessels, and muscles in the neck, and depends on how extensive the surgery must be. It is always the aim of the surgeon to remove the cancer-bearing neck nodes while preserving as much normal structure and function as possible. An experienced ENT-Head and Neck Surgeon tailors the extent of surgery to the disease.
Why choose Dr. Alzaga
Neck dissection is a core part of head and neck cancer surgery, the field in which Dr. Jennifer Almelor-Alzaga is trained in. She trained not only in Head and Neck Surgery in Taiwan, but is also trained in Microvascular Reconstruction in Bangkok, so that complex cases that involve tumor removal, neck node surgery, and reconstruction can then be managed all together by one surgeon.
Jennifer Almelor-Alzaga, MD, FPSOHNS
Board-certified Otolaryngologist–Head & Neck Surgeon. Fellowship-trained in Head & Neck Oncologic Surgery (Taiwan) and Microvascular Reconstruction (Thailand).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Related procedures
This page is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or a treatment plan. Individual cases vary — always consult a qualified medical professional for advice specific to your situation. Dr. Jennifer Almelor-Alzaga, MD is available for consultations at Makati Medical Center and Olistico Health Manila.