Diagnosis and management of schwannomas originating from the cervical vagus nerve

A schwannoma is a benign, slow growing, encapsulated nerve sheath tumour. Presentation of a schwannoma is a diagnostic and management challenge.

Internet searches of PubMed/MEDLINE(®) for all articles listing schwannomas of the vagus nerve in the cervical/neck region (1980-2012) were undertaken to ascertain diagnostic pitfalls. The references of all articles were cross-checked to include all pertinent contributions. Further articles were traced through reference lists.

Schwannomas are solitary, well circumscribed and medial to the carotid sheath. Preoperative diagnoses of schwannomas in the lateral part of the neck can cause confusion with its nerve of origin (ie whether it arises from the vagus nerve or a sympathetic chain). Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging reveal valuable information regarding the location and origin of the tumour as well as aiding surgical planning. The diagnosis can be confirmed intraoperatively. Postoperative recovery of neurological function is dependent on the type of surgery. Histopathological studies searching for classical features and immunohistochemical staining for S100 also confirm the diagnosis.

Schwannomas should be considered in the differential diagnoses of unusual masses in the neck. Preoperative imaging elicits valuable information regarding the location and origin of schwannomas and histopathology confirms the diagnosis.