[Cervical recurrence in the pathologically negative neck (pNO): finding a needle in a haystack].

Recurrence in the pathologically negative neck (pN0) is one of the most striking events occurring in head and neck tumors. It is not even mentioned in many neck dissection studies. The presence of micrometastases has been suggested as an explanation for this event. In accordance to a recent study performed in our institution, we bring up this controversial issue. A definitive explanation for recurrence in the pN0 has not yet been proposed.