From Neck to Skull Base - A rare case of cervical sympathetic chain schwanomma causing diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

Cervical sympathetic chain schwanomma is a rare tumor of benign nature commonly presenting as an asymptomatic neck mass. It shows rare malignant transformation potential and is usually slow growing. Pre-operative imaging studies are sometimes useful to delineate the origin of tumor but not always accurate but can help in surgical planning by analysing extent of lesion and the encasement of major neurovascular structures in neck. the condition is usually treated by surgical excision and the most common complication following excision is Horner's syndrome. The case report is of a young lady presented with an asymptomatic left neck mass. Multiple imaging studies showed various differentials but surgical excision followed by histopathological evaluation concluded it to be a cervical sympathetic chain schwanomma. The workup and management of the case are discussed