Objective To discuss the surgical approaches and indications of peripheral nerve tumors located in the root of neck. Methods Clinical data of 280 patients suffering from peripheral nerve tumors located in the root of neck and treated surgically in our hospital from 1995 to 2009 was analyzed retrospectively. Results Tumors in all cases were removed successfully. 3 years’ postoperative followup indicated that 10 of 221 benign cases recurred and one of them recurred in spinal cord which led to death. Meanwhile 16 of 59 malignant cases recurred locally or metastasized systemically. Some postoperative complications occurred, including hoarseness (8 cases), Horner's syndrome (5 cases) and hemopneumothorax (11 cases). Conclusion Surgical treatment is a good way to treat benign mass located in the root of neck and also has good effect for malignant tumor of peripheral nerve in this area.