Extracranial schwannomas in the head and neck region are rare neoplasms. The tumours often present as asymptomatic, slowly enlarging lateral neck masses and determination of the nerve origin is not often made until the time of surgery. Preoperative diagnosis maybe aided by imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, while open biopsy is no longer recommended. The accepted treatment for these tumors is surgical resection with preservation of the neural pathway. We report four cases of cervical schwannomas that we encountered at our center during four years of period. The clinical features, diagnosis and origin, management and pathological findings of these benign tumors are discussed.
Matched MeSH terms: Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis*
Vagal nerve schwannoma is extremely rare. The majority of cases present with a slow growing neck swelling without neurological deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard investigation to establish a pre-operative diagnosis. We report a case of a 32-year-old man with an extensive right vagal nerve schwannoma involving the right jugular foramen and parapharyngeal space. The tumour was resected via a transcervical approach. Complete excision of the tumour is the key to prevent recurrence.
Matched MeSH terms: Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis*
We reported a case of cauda equina myxopapillary ependymoma in a patient who presented with atypical history of progressive blurring of vision. Ophthalmology examination revealed relative afferent pupillary defect, binasal hemianopia and papilloedema. This case report serves as a reminder that the intraspinal tumour could be a cause of papilloedema, despite rare, should be considered in a hydrocephalus patient who presented with no intracranial pathology and minimal spinal symptoms.
Matched MeSH terms: Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms/diagnosis*