Risking surgery to remove neck cyst?

[SheWillBeLoved]

I've posted before about tests/scans I was having because of a growth I had under my jaw. Turns out that it's something called a 'cervical or plunging ranula', which is essentially a saliva filled cyst, caused by a blocked gland/gland trauma.

I've now been told that my options are to live with it, or have surgery to remove it and the offending gland(s). Having the surgery would mean I have a 3 inch scar on my neck near my jaw, and there is a risk of temporary/permanent nerve damage to the left side of my mouth/tongue, and no promise that it won't return due to them possibly not being able to remove it all.

I'm torn. I don't want to live with looking like one side of my face has a double chin, but nor do I want a big old scar/droopy mouth as well as half of a fat chin should it return. I sound so incredibly vain, but I suffer with massive self confidence issues as it is and this has just knocked me.

Has anybody had neck surgery that could compromise important nerves before? Are the risks really as high as my consultant has left me believing?

I'm so relieved that it's an innocent lump, but devastated at what I'd have to live with if I keep it or should I want it gone.

I think it is natural for any surgeon to point out risks related to all surgery. It doesn't mean it will happen. I would be tempted to go ahead with the surgery if you feel the lump is noticable.

All surgery carries risk. Did you ask your consultant what the likelihood of damage would be?

My sister is having a tumour removed from under her ear which is going to involve cutting into her face but she has decided to have it done because it may grow bigger.

I guess you have to weigh up how you feel about it as it is and if you're prepared to take the chance that it may make things much worse.

Sorry, not sure if that's helpful but whenever I've had surgery they've always outlined horrendous risks (you could be paralysed from the neck down for the last one I had) but they were so slight that I decided it was worth it. They do have to tell you what the risks are so you are making an informed decision.

You have my sympathies - sounds a really tough choice.

I had a cyst removed from my neck when I was 15.

They did point out all of the risks but it got too big and painful to just live with.

The scar is about 2 1/2 inches and the surgeon was careful to place it in a natural crease line and after 14 years it is barely noticeable and has faded very well.

immediately after the surgery I had a lot of numbness on my jaw and a very slightly lop-sided smile. I could still function normally though - it didn't effect speech etc. The numbness lasted a month or too and the smile thing hasn't ever gone. No one has ever ever said anything or noticed it, i think I know because I was looking for it iykwim?

Recovery was quick - back at school 2 days later.

weigh up your options and see what you are comfortable with. The surgeon will give you the worse case scenario. They told my parents it could cause paralysis to one side of my face etc but the chances of that happening were minuscule.

Yes, I've had surgery on a cyst that developed in the sinus thingy in my neck that should have atrophied after birth, and again on one in the jawbone itself. No complications :)

I get a lot of cysts; they mostly require surgery at some point. Of course surgery's always a risk - but so is having an ever-increasing sac of mucky stuff in your body! Honestly, they have to warn you of the risks but, if the risks were great in your case, they would have advised you to keep the cyst. Go for it - enjoy getting your chin back!

I have a 1/2+" cyst on the back of my neck at the point where my skull and neck meet. It is to the right of my vertebrae about 1/2". I am worried about nerve, etc, damage, as although it is just below the skin, it is almost directly over my vertebrae. Any similar conditions experienced here? Possible permanent nerve damage if removed? Advice? Doctor says leave it alone, but it itches and bugs me.