 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 | Susan,
My understanding is that the primary purpose of a neck dissection is to prevent any further spread via the lymphatic system. In addition it allows pathology testing on the removed nodes to establish the extent of spreading.
It is not likely that your cancer started in a node it got there from some where else. The fact that they still do not know where it came from means that radiation will be all the more important.
It also makes me think that you should consider having another specialist look for it.
Even if they are able to find the primary source you will probably be well advised to go through radiation.
I know these things are not pleasant and forgive the fact that I didn't sugar coat my reply. `
Take care
Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.
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