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Updated: May 22, 2026

Modified Radical Neck Dissection for Cervical Metastasis
Published on: February 20, 2026
Focus issue: neck dissection for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Kathryn M Van Abel1, Eric J Moore
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Abstract:
The staging and prognosis of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is intimately tied to the status of the cervical lymph nodes. Due to the high risk for occult nodal disease, most clinicians recommend treating the neck for these primary tumors. While there are many modalities available, surgical resection of nodal disease offers both a therapeutic and a diagnostic intervention. We review the relevant anatomy, nodal drainage patterns, clinical workup, surgical management and common complications associated with neck dissection for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
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