Schwannoma of the cervical vagus nerve

Abstract

Schwannomas of the parapharyngeal space are benign tumors that arise from the peripheral nerve sheaths and represent 0.09% of all head and neck tumors. Those originating from the vagus nerve are rarer. The diagnosis represents a challenge due to the different conditions encountered in the lateral neck. They usually present as asymptomatic lateral neck masses. An asymptomatic 42-year-old male patient sought medical advice. He underwent computed tomography scan and carotid angiography. The patient underwent complete resection and developed postoperative vocal cord paralysis. Dysphonia due to vocal cord paralysis is a common complication requiring immediate vocal cord rehabilitation.