A Case of Brachial Plexus Schwannoma Presenting as a Cystic Neck Swelling

Abstract

Schwannomas are benign tumours arising from Schwann cells of the neural sheath. They are rarely seen to arise from the brachial plexus. Brachial plexus schwannomas present as a swelling over lateral neck, supraclavicular region or axilla. Symptoms may include pain, sensory changes, weakness etc. Around 5% of these schwannomas may turn malignant. Although rare, cystic neck swellings can be due to cystic degeneration of a schwannoma. A preoperative evaluation is of utmost importance and in cases of neck swellings which are producing symptoms, a pre-operative MRI should be done to reach the diagnosis before taking the patient in the OT. Presented is a case of lateral neck swelling with mild tingling sensation over arm of the same side.