Question on the 3 centimeter lump, did they do a needle biopsy? Sometimes that confirms that diagnosis. Chemo we were told does not usually take care of a cancerous tumor (squamous cell). Cath had tongue cancer surgery ten years ago followed by radiation of tonque and neck area. Two years ago a lump formed in the surgery area of the neck. Its one centimeter and has added to the pain of the radiated nerve endings that are regenerating. The evaluation by three specialists is that it is a nuroma possibly caused by a suture that did not absorb. The carotid artery in that area shows a stenosis from the radiation to the neck and will have to be watched in the future. More opinions do not hurt.