Phrenic nerve schwannoma: an unusual cause of painless neck lump

Abstract

Schwannoma (neurilemmoma) arising from the cervical phrenic nerve is a relatively rare tumour type. We describe a case of phrenic nerve schwannoma in the head and neck region in a patient who presented with a painless neck swelling. Analysis of aspiration was suggestive of benign nerve sheath tumour. A computed tomography scan was done to confirm the location and entity of the tumour. The patient was treated with complete excision of the tumour including the maternal nerve fibres. He developed right hemidiaphragm palsy postoperatively, which was treated conservatively. Postoperative immunohistochemistry examination established the diagnosis of cellular schwannoma. The case highlights the challenges associated with the diagnosis and management of cervical schwannoma.