TGF, The type of incision that he is talking about should not create many problems with nerves nor any other major structures.

To put it into perspective the "radical neck dissection" you see mentioned here in various posts creates an incision from behind the ear to the tip of the chin and then from about the middle of that to the collar bone. The long term dificulties with radical neck are related to a nerve that parallels a string of lymph nodes and is sometimes removed causing the Trapezius muscle to stop functioning, (this can result in shoulder problems) and a muscle called the Sternocleidomastoid (who comes up with these names!) which is also removed to gain access to the deeper regions of the neck. The surgery usually gets you 3 to 6 days of hospital stay.

The incision to remove one node or lump is NOT what I described above. In other words, if that is all you need done it will likely be a walk in the park for you. No effects on eating, swallowing, taste, etc. and a quick recovery (Walk out same day).

I will Pray that you come home with a smile.