CERVICAL VAGAL SCHWANNOMA REVIEW OF ALL REPORTED CASES AND OUR REPORTS

Background: Extracranial cervical vagus nerve schwannomas are quite rare and we found in English literature only 133 cases. We provide an extensive revision of all reported cases we found in literature. The gold standard for cervical vagal schwannomas is their complete surgical excision being often technically challenging in order to preserve the neural pathway of the vagus nerve and the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Material and Methods: We operated two patients for cervical vagal schwannoma and reviewed all the reported cases. Results: The patients underwent an en bloc excision via a transcervical approach under general anaesthesia and pathological and microscopic examination demonstrated the diagnosis of ancient schwannoma. Conclusions: Differential diagnosis with other lesions of the parapharyngeal space is mandatory and radiological findings are often not specific. Preoperative diagnosis could be challenging but the treatment of choice is complete surgical resection. Post-operative vocal cord palsy must be considered and clearly discussed with the patient.