The case for elective prophylactic neck dissection.

The possibility of improving the cure rate of cancer of the head and neck by radical neck dissection of the clinically negative neck (elective neck dissection) continues to pose a therapeutic dilemma. This paper seeks to review the available information, analyze relevant aspects of the issue and attempt to draw conclusions which will be helpful both to physicians and their patients. The discussion is confined to squamous carcinoma of the larynx, pharynx, and oral cavity.