lump on neck operation question

Hi not sure I can throw any light on this.  My first neck dissection was to remove a lump which turned out to be a cancerous lymph node around the size of a matchbox cut in half lengthwise.  I had a further neck dissection to remove most of the  lymph nodes on the same side - none of those were cancerous.

In both cases they went in from a cut in my lower neck and worked up to below my ear internally so I have a nice scar in a fold in my neck (only time I am grateful for a double chin in the family!!!!).  When I asked about the sort of dissections you see on Google (don't look) I was told they are very "old school" and rarely done now.

I am guessing they are saying that the lump is interacting with the skin layer rather than below it as in my case - hence the potential need for a graft.  I imagine they want to keep you in to ensure the graft "takes" before discharging you hence the time frame.

Good luck today Peter. Thanks that helps suppose the brains working overtime thinking how do they know whats what . Consultant says they might do op and it could come back clear which is good . Suppose its  a belt and braces approach