Ancient schwannoma of cervical sympathetic chain masquerading as carotid body tumour

Abstract

Schwannomas are benign tumours arising from the nerve sheath cell. 25-40% of schwannomas are found in head and neck. Ancient schwannona of cervical sympathetic chain is very entity. It is a slow growing benign swelling in lateral neck and hence can be confused with other benign swellings of neck. We present a case of ancient schwanoma of cervical sympathetic chain which masqueraded as carotid body tumour highlighting the importance of contrast enhanced CT and MRI pre-operatively along with restricted utility of FNAC in correct diagnosis of lateral neck swelling.