Schwannomas of the vagus nerve in the head and neck

The authors report two cases of Schwannomas, one occurring in the tracheal lumen and the other in the tracheo-esophageal groove. The latter imitated a thyroid "cold" nodule at scintigraphic and echographic investigation. A complete review of the literature on Schwannomas of the vagus nerve in the head and neck is included. Clinical features, differential diagnosis, investigation, and management of these lesions are discussed.