[Report on a case of schwannoma of the neck: clinical and therapeutic considerations].

We present a case of schwannoma of the neck in 49-year-old man, which was symptomatic for a long period: paraesthesia for one year, cervical mass for 2-3 months and dysphagia during the last 20 days. After ultrasonography and magnetic resonance the patient was operated on and complete excision of the mass was performed. The operation was performed via a cervical approach: the nerves and vascular and muscular structures were carefully isolated and then preserved. The tumour arose from the cervical sympathetic chain. The diagnosis of schwannoma was possible only at histopathological examination. After 24 months no local recurrence or postoperative complications related to the intervention were found. At present, however, the patient presents a moderate lowering of the voice, such as may be due to impairment of the superior laryngeal nerve, though this was already present preoperatively. These lesions are uncommon and most often occur as asymptomatic solitary neck masses. The preoperative diagnosis may be difficult, even with the aid of ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography. Identification of the nerve is often difficult up to the time of surgery, which is the treatment of choice for schwannoma.