HI, THE ONLY THING I CAN TELL YOU IS THAT MY SURGEON TOLD ME LATER THAT HE HAD A HARD TIME TAKING MY LYMPH NODE OUT BECAUSE IT WAS RIGHT ON THE MAIN ARTERIE.THE NODE WAS LARGE.SO NOW THE SIDE OF MY NECK AND FACE STILL DOESN'T HAVE ALL THE FEELING IN IT AND I'M NOT SURE THAT IT WILL.VERY TENDER. I'M SORRY I DON'T THINK THIS REALLY HELPS TO MUCH,BUT I SEEN NO ONE ELSE SAID ANYTHING SO I HAD TO LET YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO ME. GOOD LUCK AND LET ME KNOW WHAT HAPPENS.
RED :+)

I have to say i have not heard of removing the jugular. I had a lymph node removed that was pushing on mine, it was hard to get out but it was done successfully.
Good luck to you,
you have my thoughts and prayers.

Well. me too. I have not heard of removing the jugular. And I never thought it can be removed. Good luck.

www.carpetcleaningcoop.com

I have heard that invasion of the vascular system can happen, I suppose if the cancer has invaded the Jugular it would have to be removed to prevent the cancer from getting to the brain.
I know that before my Neck Dissection I was told there was a chance that the Jugular could be damaged but that if it was there are enough other veins to support the brain without it.

I sure hope all goes well my Prays are with you.

Odell

I realize it has been over a year since the original question appeared, but I just came across this site.

I had both of my jugular veins removed when diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 1966. I am living proof that one can live without them. (Smile) However, it hasn't been without grief.

After they removed the first one everything was fine. When they removed the second one, my face swelled to the point no one could recognize me. The doctors said it would probably never return to normal and it hasn't. However, to most people it doesn't look bad. But to me, it has been a life-long challenge to keep my spirits up. One thing about cancer survivorship...life is never the same.

Jan