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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
10:50
Primary Culture of Human Vestibular Schwannomas
Published on: July 20, 2014
Cervical sympathetic chain schwannoma.
Chang-Chun Lin1, Chen-Chi Wang, Shi-An Liu
1Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan Yi Zhi
|December 8, 2007
Summary
Cervical sympathetic chain schwannomas (CSCS) are rare tumors presenting as neck masses. Surgical excision is the primary treatment, with potential side effects like Horner's syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Schwannomas are benign nerve sheath tumors.
- Cervical sympathetic chain schwannomas (CSCS) are exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- Three cases of CSCS are presented.
- Patients exhibited pulsatile, non-tender mandibular angle masses.
- No cervical nerve deficits were observed preoperatively.
Findings:
- Imaging revealed masses between prevertebral muscles and carotid artery.
- Outward displacement of the carotid sheath was characteristic.
- Surgical excision with sympathetic chain sacrifice is the treatment of choice.
Implications:
- Postoperative Horner's syndrome is a predictable outcome.
- Vagus nerve dysfunction and first bite syndrome are potential complications.
- Understanding these clinical and imaging features aids diagnosis and management.
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