Brendon, I had three neck dissections in two years, one radical, to the left side of my neck, in addition too, three courses of radiation to the left neck, and still can swallow, taste, etc. They tell you the risks involved for any surgery, which are usually low, but is something to consider, but they would usually not want to do surgery if the risk outweighed the benefit. I too was concerned about the potential effects, but having a good surgeon quelled those fears, and the risks were in the low percentage. I suffer no paralysis, or any other loss except loss of feeling in my neck, little swelling, little stiffness, but major loss of mobility, except rasing my arm overhead due to the neck muscle, vein and nerve being taken out with the RND. A modified dissection preserves one or more of these structures. Good luck.