What is a radical neck dissection? when is it done?

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What is a radical neck dissection? The surgeon removes a block of tissue from the collarbone to the jaw and from the front to the back of the neck. The large muscle on the side of the neck that is used for rotating, flexing or extending the neck is also taken out, along with the major vein on the side of the neck. Sometimes, a less drastic operation, called a supraomohyoid neck dissection is done. This takes out only the lymph nodes, the tissue surrounding the nodes and a muscle at the front of the neck. Another technique, called a functional neck dissection, saves the muscles of the neck, taking out only the lymph nodes and tissues surrounding them.
What kind of incision is made with a radical neck dissection? The incision depends upon what the surgery is for. It can run from below the ear to the collarbone. Everything in the front of the neck on one side or on both sides may be removed. This may include the lymph nodes, blood vessels, nerves, and the salivary gland under the jawbone.

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Can I use a statin if I am pregnant?

Statins are not to be used during pregnancy they may cause damage to the fetus or by nursing mothers. If you are a woman of childbearing age, you should only use statins if you definitely do not plan to become pregnant. The general rule in medicine today is that only in situations of extremely high blood cholesterol that do not respond to nondrug treatments like diet should statins be given to women of childbearing age.

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Where does Melanoma most often metastasize?

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What shall I do, Doctor? I'm at a gas station phone and my wife just fell down and twisted her ankle. 

If it is painful and she can't walk, it may be a fracture. Don't manipulate it, don't pull it. Just wrap a towel or pillow around it and take her to a hospital for an X ray. It is best if she does not walk. You can carry her in a chair.
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