Functional implications of radical neck dissection and the impact on the quality of life for patients with head and neck neoplasia

Radical neck dissection is a concept that was presented in 1906 by GW Crile and suffered constant improvement ever since. The surgical oncology procedure included the resection of the internal jugular vein, the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and the submandibular gland and the spinal accessory nerve. Deformities and impairment in the functionality of different regions of the neck and scapular regions have great implications on the quality of life of the patients who undergo such a procedure. Modifications to the radical neck dissection were made in the attempt to maintain the efficacy of the surgical oncology therapy. The authors try to assess the functional implications of radical neck dissection and the impact on the quality of life for patients with head and neck neoplasia.