Apical mass presentation of brachial plexus Schwannoma

Neurogenic tumours arising from the brachial plexus are rare. Most of these present as palpable cervical mass with tenderness and pain radiating to the arm along the distribution of the affected nerve. Here we report a case with radiological presentation mimicking an apical mass in the right chest with minimal symptoms. The mass was successfully and completely removed at thoracotomy preserving the integrity of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus. There was some evidence of neuroparesis in the immediate post-operative period but the patient made a very good recovery 10 weeks after surgery.