When might this service be appropriate?
- Lymph-node management for selected head and neck/thyroid cancers
How is it assessed?
- Review the primary tumour, biopsy, imaging, neck levels, previous treatment and baseline shoulder/nerve function.
How is care planned?
- An oncology plan determines selective or more extensive dissection; it is not required for every cancer.
- Timing is coordinated with other cancer treatment and reconstruction.
What follow-up and recovery care is needed?
- Care includes wound/drain review, shoulder exercises/physiotherapy, pathology review and discussion of adjuvant treatment.
Which risks and limitations should be discussed?
- Shoulder weakness, neck numbness/stiffness, nerve injury, bleeding, infection or a chyle leak in some procedures.
When is prompt or emergency care needed?
- Rapid swelling, breathing difficulty or heavy bleeding needs emergency care; new wound problems or fever need prompt team review.
For a life-threatening emergency, seek emergency care or call 999 in Bangladesh.
Frequently asked questions
Why are shoulder exercises important?
Rehabilitation helps address nerve/muscle effects and scar-related stiffness; start according to the team’s instructions.