Management of the N(0) neck

Abstract

Paramount among the challenges and controversies among the head and neck surgeon is the proper treatment of the N0 neck. Therapeutic intervention for the N0 neck usually involves any of two treatment modalities alone or in combination: surgery or radiation therapy. This article discusses the potential treatment strategies for possible subclinical neck metastasis and the rationale for their use on a site by site basis for head and neck primary tumors.