Unusual Neck Swelling: A Case of Vagal Schwannoma

A schwannoma is a tumour of the nerve sheath .Tumour arises from the schwann cells. Most of the schwannoma are benign in nature presenting as a slow growing asymptomatic solitary neck mass. It rarely undergoes malignant transformation [1%] . Most commonly schwannoma originates from the vestibular nerve. Our case is a 60 yr male patient, presented with a painless swelling in the neck since 2 yrs. A non-tender, oval, firm in consistency in the right lower half of the neck, between two bellies of right sternocleidomastoid. Right common carotid artery was displaced, cough reflex present on palpating the swelling. IDL was normal. FNAC showed chronic inflammatory cyst. CT scan showed a well-defined cystic lesion in right lower carotid space with perceptible wall & thin non enhancing septations in relationship to adjacent structures. The lesion which had displaced the IJV & CCA. Excision of the swelling was done under general anesthesia. Histopathology showed Antoni type B Schwannoma.Post operative period was uneventful.