Schwannoma of the Brachial Plexus: A Rare Case Report

INTRODUCTION: Brachial plexus schwannomas are extremely rare tumours of the head and neck region accounting for less than 5 % overall. Due to its rarity and anatomic complexity of the brachial plexus, schwannomas in this region present a diagnostic and surgical challenge to the surgeon. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 56-year-old female who presented with a slow growing right sided neck swelling associated with pain and tingling in the distal end of the right forearm. According to FNAC, imaging studies results, a diagnosis of benign neurogenic tumour possibly schwannoma was made. After taking proper consent patient underwent surgical excision of the tumour. Postoperatively, patient developed numbness and tingling in right arm and stiffness at elbow joint, which is showing improvement after regular physiotherapy sessions. CONCLUSION: Although brachial plexus schwannomas are extremely rare head and neck tumours they should be kept as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with supraclavicular neck swellings. These are potentially curable lesions. As such, detailed history and examination together with imaging studies is important in establishing a preoperative diagnosis for proper management.