Schwannoma of Accessory Nerve: A Case Report

Abstract

Schwannomas are benign neural tumours which arise from the nerve sheath and consist of Schwann cells in a collagenous matrix. Schwannomas of the accessory nerve are rare lesions. A case of Schwannoma originating from the spinal accessory nerve in the posterior triangle of the neck is described. Accessory nerve Schwannoma usually presents with nerve palsy. Unusually, our patient presented with a lump in the neck. Location of such neoplasms in this region is exceptional. This report describes the clinical features of a rare extracranial accessory nerve Schwannoma. The authors emphasize the importance of accurately enucleating the mass; when it is impossible to preserve the continuity of the neural pathway, nerve repair should be considered.