Nerve-sparing resection of cervical vagal schwannoma with complete functional recovery: a case report.

Authors

Zaid A Alzaghal, Faryal Imran, Mohammad Aamir Qayyum Sarguroh Khan, Aafreen A Nyaz, Gyanendra Jora, Safwan A Alzaghal, Hutham K Aliessa, Husam M Saleh

Published in

Journal of surgical case reports. Volume 2026. Issue 10. Pages rjag916. Epub Oct 14, 2026.

Abstract

Vagal schwannomas are rare benign neoplasms arising from the Schwann cells of the vagus nerve, representing 2%-5% of all peripheral nerve tumors and ~10% of head and neck schwannomas. They typically present as slow-growing, asymptomatic lateral neck masses and pose significant diagnostic and surgical challenges due to their proximity to critical neurovascular structures. We report a case of a 28-year-old Asian male who presented with a right-sided neck swelling. Imaging workup including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography angiography identified a well-defined mass in the right carotid space at the level of C4-C5, displacing adjacent vascular structures. The tumor was surgically excised en bloc via a lateral transverse approach with full preservation of vagal nerve function, confirmed by intraoperative nerve monitoring. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of vagal schwannoma. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, thorough preoperative imaging, and meticulous intraoperative technique in achieving complete resection with minimal morbidity.

PMID:
42877476
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 16 Oct 2026.

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