Getting Ready for a Neck Mass Biopsy

How is the surgery done?

• The surgery is done under sedation or general anesthesia.
• An incision is made in the skin over the lump. Either a piece of the lump is removed for biopsy, or the whole lump is removed.
• The incision is closed with stitches that dissolve on their own or are removed in the office.

What are the risks?

Every surgery has risks. Your surgeon will go over them with you before surgery, and you can ask about any of them.

• Anesthesia is safe, but it has some risks. The anesthesia team can go over them with you. Tell us if anyone in your family has had a problem with anesthesia.
• Pain, bleeding and infection are risks of any surgery.
• Nerve injury. Important nerves in the neck can be injured, temporarily or permanently. This could cause weakness of the face, tongue or shoulder, numbness of the face or tongue, or changes in the voice and swallowing.
• Blood or fluid collecting under the skin (hematoma or seroma), which may need to be drained.
• A scar at the incision.

How do I get ready?

• As soon as surgery is scheduled

  • Give us a list of every medicine, vitamin and supplement you take. We will tell you which to stop and when.
  • If you smoke or vape, stop now. Stopping helps your body heal and makes anesthesia safer, and the earlier you stop, the better: aim for at least 4 weeks before surgery, though even 2 weeks helps. Stay off until your surgeon says you have healed.
  • Plan time off. Plan on at least several days off work or school; some people feel ready sooner.
  • Plan your travel. For 1 week after surgery, stay within about an hour of our office or an emergency room, and do not fly.
  • Arrange for an adult to drive you home. After general anesthesia, we recommend having an adult stay with you the first night.

• 1 to 2 weeks before

  • Aspirin is usually stopped 1 to 2 weeks before surgery. If you take aspirin or a blood thinner for your heart, a stent or stroke prevention, do not stop it on your own: your surgeon will check with whoever prescribes it.
  • Ask us whether to pause ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve).
  • Ask about herbal remedies and supplements, such as fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo or garlic pills, which can raise the chance of bleeding.
  • If you take insulin or other diabetes medicines, ask how to take them before surgery.
  • Get the supplies in the next section.

• The night before

  • Follow the eating and drinking instructions from our office or the surgery center exactly. If you eat or drink when you should not, surgery may need to be postponed for safety.
  • Many places ask for nothing to eat after midnight, and some allow clear liquids until a few hours before.
  • Take only the medicines we said to take that morning, with a small sip of water.
  • Get a good night’s sleep.

• The day of surgery

  • Wear comfortable clothes.
  • Wear glasses instead of contact lenses, and leave jewelry and valuables at home.
  • Bring your photo ID, insurance card and list of medicines.

What happens after surgery?

• Most people go home the same day.
• Plan on at least several days off work or school.
• No heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 2 weeks.
• Your follow-up visit is about 1 week after surgery. We review the biopsy results with you once they are available.

The Neck Mass Biopsy Recovery Guide has everything you need after the procedure, including when to call us.

When should I call before surgery?