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Cervical sympathetic schwannoma: case report.
M Rosner1, W Fisher, L Mulligan
1Department of Neurosurgery, National Capital Consortium, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
Neurosurgery
|February 16, 2002
Summary
Cervical sympathetic chain schwannomas are rare tumors. This case report details the successful microneurosurgical resection of a symptomatic cervical sympathetic chain schwannoma.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Benign nerve sheath tumors constitute 20-27% of parapharyngeal space neck masses.
- Schwannomas of the cervical sympathetic chain or vagal nerve are the most frequent types.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old man presented with a 7-month history of a painless, growing right neck mass.
- Preoperative evaluation revealed no hoarseness or Horner's syndrome.
- Examination showed no vocal cord dysfunction.
Findings:
- A tumor originating from the cervical sympathetic chain was identified posterior to the carotid bifurcation.
- Gross total resection was achieved via a standard right carotid incision.
- A segment of the cervical sympathetic chain was resected.
Implications:
- Cervical sympathetic chain schwannomas are uncommon and necessitate microneurosurgical resection for complete removal.
- This case highlights the importance of considering schwannomas in the differential diagnosis of neck masses.
- Management involves detailed evaluation, surgical intervention, and understanding pathological characteristics.