Mica, I think your situation is very similar to mine. I had tonsil cancer that was spread to my neck with the largest tumor measuring over 7 cm. Surgery was not a possible option since it would involve an enormous area, too much for me to bear. So I went with the concurrent chemo-radiation treatment to shrink the tumors. At that time my oncologist gave me less than 50% of the chance that the treatment could kill all cancer cells and that surgery could still be very necessary. Thank God after the treatment and with the follow up scans at 2 months post treatment, everything was clear. My team of doctors decided that surgery was not necessary even though I suggested having one in case the evil was hiding somewhere. I was under very close observation by the doctors and had a 3 month interval check up. I just had my annual ultrasound scan last Thursday and MRI yesterday. I have the gut feeling that everything is clear and of course won't be 100% sure until I meet my doctor next week. I will be in remission for 3 years. So far, I am happy that I don't need any surgery. My neck movement is not affected. Of course if your doctor recommends neck dissection, there must be their reason and if I were you, I would trust their decision. I know your dilema because I went through similar situation before when one group of people told me that if I didn't have surgery, the hiding cancer cells cannot be eradicated while the other group said that surgery may be dangerous and can activate cancer cells elsewhere.Any kind of treatment has both pros and cons. It is always good to hear others' experience and opinion before making your own.

Karen.