A massive multicystic parapharyngeal tumor: A case report

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurosurgery
• Oncology

Background:

• Cervical sympathetic chain schwannomas are uncommon, benign tumors.
• They typically arise in the retrostyloid parapharyngeal space.
• Distinguishing them from other retrostyloid lesions is challenging.

Observation:

• A case of a large cervical lesion with significant cystic degeneration is presented.
• The lesion extended into the parapharyngeal space, involving the larynx and causing airway obstruction.
• Extensive cystic degeneration complicated the radiological diagnosis.

Findings:

• Severe cystic degeneration in cervical schwannomas can lead to rapid expansion.
• Near-fully cystic schwannomas, though rare, have been documented.
• Imaging findings in this case were atypical due to extensive cystic changes.

Implications:

• Accurate radiological diagnosis of cystic cervical schwannomas can be difficult.
• Understanding the association between cystic degeneration and rapid growth is crucial.
• This case underscores the importance of considering schwannoma in the differential diagnosis of cystic parapharyngeal masses.