Unique Presentation of Rare Cervical Sympathetic Chain Schwannoma

Abstract

We describe a unique case of a cervical sympathetic chain schwannoma that presented as an ambiguous oropharyngeal mass with a differential of a benign or malignant salivary gland tumor or neurogenic tumor. Consideration of a malignant salivary gland mass led us to modify our diagnostic approach so as not to risk seeding a potential malignancy and harming the patient. This article also highlights the distinct imaging findings of neurogenic tumors of the neck that are helpful in appropriately diagnosing these tumors.