[Cervical lymph nodes: surgeon's point of view]

Squamous cell carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract or head and neck cancers, are localized in a complex anatomical region with a major lymphohilic locoregional cervical extension. Cervical lymph node surgery is systematized and drainage areas are sectorized with an increasingly conservative attitude. Improving imaging techniques allow the realization of selective neck dissection; sentinel node techniques are being evaluated. The traditional dissection is reserved to the lymph in capsular rupture or cervical interstitial mass.