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Tumor Discovery

CASE REPORT
Calcified peripheral schwannoma mimicking

a cervical lymph node: A case report and
literature review

†
Karmouch Mohamed Amine †* , Bouzoubaa Youssef , Bijou Walid, Rouadi Sami,
Abada Reda Allah, Oukessou Youssef, Roubal Mohamed, and Mahtar Mohamed
Department ENT Head and Neck Surgery, Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Hassan II University,
Casablanca, Morocco

Abstract
Peripheral schwannomas are typically benign tumors originating from Schwann
cells of peripheral nerves. Although often asymptomatic, such tumors may present
diagnostic challenges since they resemble other known structures, leading to
potential misinterpretations. Here, we present the case of a 17-year-old patient with
a cervical mass that initially posed a diagnostic dilemma, resembling a cervical lymph
node on clinical examination. The calcified nature of the tumor added complexity
to its identification, and our case underscores the significance of a good diagnostic
evaluation. The literature on calcified peripheral schwannomas is scarce, but the current
case contributes to the understanding of atypical presentations. Diagnostic modalities,
† These authors contributed equally including imaging studies and histopathological examination, play a pivotal role in
to this work.
confirming the schwannoma diagnosis and differentiating it from other entities. Surgical
*Corresponding author: excision remains the primary treatment, but awareness of varied presentations is crucial
Karmouch Mohamed Amine
(direction@chucasa.ma) for accurate management. This case report serves as a valuable addition to the literature,
highlighting calcified peripheral schwannomas mimicking cervical lymph nodes.
Citation: Amine KM, Youssef B, Medical practitioners should maintain a high index of suspicion for schwannomas in
Walid B, et al. Calcified peripheral
schwannoma mimicking a cervical unusual clinical cases, ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
lymph node: A case report and
literature review. Tumor Discov.
2024;3(2):2606. Keywords: Cervical mass; Schwannoma; Calcification
doi: 10.36922/td.2606
Received: January 1, 2024
Accepted: February 28, 2024
1. Introduction
Published Online: May 21, 2024
Cervical schwannomas are benign tumors of the peripheral nerves developed exclusively
Copyright: © 2024 Author(s). from Schwann cells. Initially described by Verocay in 1908, they are estimated to be
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This is an Open-Access article
2
distributed under the terms of the present in the neck region in 25 % of all cases. The nerve of origin remains unidentified
Creative Commons Attribution in 50% of the cases, but they are found to be predominantly formed within the vagus
3
License, permitting distribution, nerve. Other structures such as the sympathetic cervical chain can be, although
2
and reproduction in any medium,
2
provided the original work is rarely, the origin of this benign entity. Here, we report the case of a chronic cervical
properly cited. schwannoma, which was initially misinterpreted as a cervical lymph node.
Publisher’s Note: AccScience
Publishing remains neutral with 2. Case presentation
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional The present case revolves around a 17-year-old girl with no significant medical history,
affiliations. who reported a 2-year history of progressive swelling in the upper right laterocervical
Volume 3 Issue 2 (2024) 1 doi: 10.36922/td.2606