Cervical Sympathetic Chain Schwannoma: A Case Report

Awasthi, Sanjeev Kumar; Dutta, Angshuman

doi:10.1007/s12070-011-0276-9

Cited by 13 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…The majority present as cervical swelling with asymptomatic, gradually increasing volume [ 4 ]. They sometimes may cause exerting pressure on the surrounding structures (for example, dysphagia) [ 5 ]. Features of nerve compression (preoperative Horner’s syndrome) are rare [ 6 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An unusual giant schwannoma of cervical sympathetic chain: a case report

et al. 2016

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BackgroundSchwannomas are benign, well-differentiated tumors that originate from Schwann cells. Involvement of the cervical sympathetic nerve is relatively rare. Computed tomography is indispensable for the diagnosis. The treatment is surgical. Histological examination confirms the diagnosis. Horner’s syndrome postoperatively is supportive of the diagnosis. The rarity of giant cervical sympathetic chain schwannoma made the case of our patient interesting to report. Furthermore, our patient’s immense tumor size is very rare, and we could not find any similar report in the literature. Cervical sympathetic chain schwannoma is frequently confused with schwannoma of the vagus nerve on clinical and radiological examination, and its diagnosis can therefore be challenging for clinicians, radiologists, and pathologists.Case presentationWe report a rare case of cervical schwannoma in a 40-year-old Moroccan woman who presented with a large parapharyngeal mass. Computed tomography revealed a giant, heterogeneous, well-defined mass measuring 110 × 100 × 147 mm, occupying the right carotid triangle, and descending to the superior mediastinum. Surgical excision with a transcervical approach was done. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis. The patient’s postoperative course was marked by Horner’s syndrome.ConclusionsCervical sympathetic chain schwannoma is a rare, benign tumor. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with a lateral neck mass. Surgical exploration must be discussed for a tumor with a large volume.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An unusual giant schwannoma of cervical sympathetic chain: a case report

et al. 2016

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“…Schwannomas grow longitudinally along the length of the nerve assuming a fusiform appearance without compromising the morphological and functional integrity of the nerve and can be separated surgically from their nerve of origin. Distinction between schwannomas and neurofibroma can be made microscopically [10].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Extracranial Head and Neck Schwannomas: Our Experience

Shrikrishna

Jyothi

Kulkarni

et al. 2015

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg

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Schwannomas are benign neoplasms of the peripheral nerves originating in the Schwann cells. They are rare and usually solitary, with clearly delimited capsules. They occur in the head and neck region in only 25 % of the cases, and may be associated with Von Recklinghausen's disease. Schwannomas are always a diagnostic dilemma as they are asymptomatic for long time and histopathology is the gold standard for diagnosis. The present study retrospectively analysed data of 4 patients with schwannomas and reviewed the literature on the subject. Retrospective study at ENT & Head and Neck Surgery Department of Navodaya Medical College, Raichur. Data of 4 patients between 2008 and 2014 were reviewed. The sites of cervical schwannomas and the intraoperative, histopathological and postoperative clinical status of these cases were studied. Diagnostic methods, type of surgery and associated nerve of origin (NOO) were evaluated. The patients' age ranged from 18 to 50 years. None of them had type I neurofibromatosis or Von Recklinghausen's disease. The nerves affected included the brachial plexus, vagus nerve, sympathetic chain and lingual nerve. The nerve of origin was identified based on intra-operative findings and post-operative neurological deficits. Tumour was removed by debulk operation with the preservation of NOO method. Schwannomas are generally benign, and rarely recur. An accurate preoperative workup with the identification of NOO is very important not only for a correct diagnosis, but also for surgical planning and informing the patient about the possible complications.

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“…Distinction between schwannomas and neurofibroma can be made microscopically. 6 Most important aspect of these lesions is distinguishing cervical schwannomas from other pathologies like salivary gland tumors and paragangliomas in the parapharyngeal space. The differential diagnosis of a parapharyngeal mass is based on the division of the space into prestyloid and poststyloid compartments.…”

Section: Ijhnsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The differential diagnosis of a parapharyngeal mass is based on the division of the space into prestyloid and poststyloid compartments. 6 Diagnostic modalities in the form of FNA cytological techniques as well as better imaging in the form of MRI or CT scans have lessened the problem of misdiagnosis to some degree. 3 CT with contrast medium or MRI is essential to the initial workup for parapharyngeal space schwannoma.…”

Section: Ijhnsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Transcervical, transmandibular and transparotid are the main approaches described to approach the parapharyngeal space. 6 Although Horner's syndrome is rarely seen in the preoperative period, it is the most common complication postoperatively. 7 In our case, a small nerve twig was seen attached to the tumor which was sacrificed and patient developed pseudoptosis postoperatively.…”

Section: Ijhnsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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