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Updated: May 27, 2026
10:50
Primary Culture of Human Vestibular Schwannomas
Published on: July 20, 2014
Cervical sympathetic chain schwannoma.
E-E-M Nao1, O Dassonville, A Bozec
1Service d'ORL et chirurgie cervicofaciale, centre Antoine-Lacassagne et institut universitaire de la Face et du Cou de Nice, 33 avenue de Valombrose, Nice cedex, France.
European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases
|November 29, 2011
Summary
Cervical sympathetic chain schwannoma, a rare tumor, presents as a lateral neck mass. Surgical resection is key for diagnosis and treatment, with Horner's syndrome often indicating involvement.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cervical schwannoma originates from Schwann cells, presenting as a benign peripheral nerve tumor.
- Schwannoma of the cervical sympathetic chain is exceptionally rare, necessitating detailed case study.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old woman presented with a long-standing left lateral cervical mass and recent pharyngeal discomfort.
- Cervical CT identified a vascularized retrostyloid mass displacing the jugulo-carotid axis; fine-needle aspiration was inconclusive.
Findings:
- Surgical resection via cervicotomy revealed a schwannoma originating from the cervical sympathetic nerve.
- Histopathology confirmed schwannoma; postoperative Horner's syndrome indicated cervical sympathetic chain involvement.
Implications:
- Cervical sympathetic chain schwannoma should be suspected in cases of isolated lateral cervical masses.
- Preoperative CT imaging is crucial for diagnosis, with surgery essential for definitive histologic confirmation.
- Postoperative Horner's syndrome serves as a clinical indicator of cervical sympathetic chain schwannoma.
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