I hope this isn't a dumb question but .....If getting a lateral neck dissection is removing the cancer, then what is the down side of that? The mass in my neck is 3cm, wouldn't it be a good thing to "get it out?" What are the bad side effects of having a neck dissection?

Age 47, Right tonsil removed 1/18/08, large mass in right side of neck. Both have been diagnosed SCC Stage IV, on 1/24/08. Right radical neck dissection and left tonsil removal 2/8/08