Cervical neuromas following extensive maxillofacial surgery

Amputated branches of the cervical plexus may develop neuromas within the area of a radical neck dissection. At times these are palpable and are thought to be recurrent tumor. The distinction between recurrent tumor and neuroma cannot be made easily. Many patients who have extensive maxillofacial surgery have discomfort or neuromas within the operated area postoperatively. Five patients have been found to have palpable neuromas within their cervical operative field, but 84% (42/50) had painful neurological symptoms or unusually sensitive areas within the area of previous surgery. Only a third of this latter group had recurrent tumor.