I have an appointment with my ENT Dr on Friday and we will be having a discussion about having a neck dissection to remove some neck nodes. At least that is what he told me last time and at the first visit. He stated that even after the radiation and chemo and a clear PET scan he would probably still recommend the surgery. I've had all that and a clear PET scan ( although after they did the PET scan they said it was too early( 6 weeks), no one seemed to know why it had been scheduled too early). Anyway, its been 3 months post treatment now.
Here is my question. Is it common practice to also have a neck dissection with node removal after treatment.? I had tonsil cancer that went to my neck (5cm tumor) The tumor was too large for surgery pre-treatment. I am extremly reluctant to have the surgery. What side effects have those of you with the surgery had? I am hearing about loss of head and neck movement? I also have heard about a number of people who had tonsil cancer and didn't have the surgery. He said we would talk about having surgery or waiting and seeing if something showed up later. I am thinking I want a second opinion too.