Extracranial Head and Neck Schwannomas: A Case Series and Review of Literature.

Abstract

Schwannomas are benign nerve tumors of schwann cell origin. Schwann cells are derived from neural crest and are therefore of neuroectodermal origin. 25-40% of all schwannomas arise in the head and neck region. The most common schwannomas are vagal schwannomas and cervical schwannomas in the head and neck region. Here we present two cases of head and neck schwannomas which were not identified as originating from any major nerve. The first patient had a schwannoma in the infratemporal region which was excised by performing transzygomatic approach, and the second patient had a schwannoma in the left lateral part of the neck which was excised using a cervical crease incision.