An “Ancient” Schwannoma of Cervical Region

Nataraj Rajanala Venkata​,Mazhar Aslam Dodhia

doi:10.4236/ijohns.2020.91002

Nataraj Rajanala Venkata, Mazhar Aslam Dodhia

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4236/ijohns.2020.91002

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Abstract

Schwannoma is a benign encapsulated neoplasm which grows slowly. It originates from Schwann cells, the sheath cells that cover the myelinated nerve fibers. Head and Neck regions account for around 25% - 40% of the cases. Ancient schwannoma is a rare variant wherein degenerative change occurred in a long-standing schwannoma. This causes sudden increase in size and pain, mimicking a malignant change. It was first described by Ackerman and Taylor in 1951. In this article, I would like to present a case of Ancient variant of Cervical Schwannoma.

Highlights

Schwannomas are benign encapsulated tumors that arise from the Schwann Cells, the cells which cover the myelinated nerve [1]
The ancient variant is characterized by degenerative changes typified by perivascular hyalinization, calcification, cystic necrosis, relative loss of Antoni type A tissue, and degenerative nuclei that may be misinterpreted as sarcomatous pleomorphisms
We present a case of Left Cervical Schwannoma which was diagnosed as the ancient variant upon histological examination

Summary

Introduction

Schwannomas are benign encapsulated tumors that arise from the Schwann Cells, the cells which cover the myelinated nerve [1]. It has been proposed that, in long-standing schwannomas, due to progressive increase in size, vascular insufficiency occurs leading to degenerative changes and focal calcifications [5]. This results in a sudden increase in size of the swelling and pain, mimicking malignant change. Schwannomas are encapsulated, solid or cystic tumours They can be composed of two cellular zones: Antony type A, densely arranged with spindle-shaped Schwann cells and areas of palisading. The ancient variant is characterized by degenerative changes typified by perivascular hyalinization, calcification, cystic necrosis, relative loss of Antoni type A tissue, and degenerative nuclei that may be misinterpreted as sarcomatous pleomorphisms. We present a case of Left Cervical Schwannoma which was diagnosed as the ancient variant upon histological examination

Case Report

Discussion