Schwannoma of Ansa Cervicalis in the Submandibular Space / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Although schwannomas can arise from all types of nerves except the optic and olfactory nerves, those that arise from the ansa cervicalis is extremely rare, with only four cases having been reported worldwide. Because of their rarity, ansa cervicalis schwannomas are rarely considered in patients presenting with schwannomas of the neck region. In the present case, we did not consider ansa cervicalis as the nerve of origin preoperatively, but during the surgery, found a mass originating from the ansa cervicalis by identifying a contracture of the strap muscles. We thus address the need to consider ansa cervicalis as a possible original site in the evaluation and management of schwannomas of the neck region. In addition, surgeons should focus on the intraoperative findings to determine the nerve of origin and to anticipate postoperative complications, as well as performing appropriate preoperative imaging studies.