Extracranial neurogenic tumors of the head and neck

The vast majority of head and neck nerve tumors are benign. Proper management involves accurate preoperative evaluation and a high degree of suspicion. Ideal treatment involves complete resection but debulking procedures have a definite role. Microneural dissection and reconstruction should be attempted in all cases. Malignant tumors of neural tissue are aggressive and are treated with radical surgical resection followed by radiation. Chemotherapy is reserved for unresectable or metastatic disease.