modified radical neck dissection


modified radical neck dissection

A spectrum of head and neck surgeries performed on a person requiring excision of tissue involved by cancer, usually squamous cell carcinoma. The classic modified radical neck dissection consists of removing all lymph nodes in the neck, as in a radical neck dissection, while preserving the spinal accessory nerve. Other modified radical neck dissections preserve other non-lymphatic structures, such as the spinal accessory nerve, internal jugular vein and sternocleidomastoid muscle.