Management of cervical region schwannomas

Abstract

Upper cervical schwannomas are rare and are usually asymptomatic. Schwannomas are believed to be slow-growing neoplasms with an annual growth rate of 2.75-3mm. Malignant changes in head and neck schwannomas are rare, with a prevalence of 8-14%. According to the WHO classification, schwannomas behave as grade one tumor and have less tendency to change into malignant forms. The definitive management of a tumor depends on its location, the involvement of soft tissues or organs, and whether vessels or nerves are involved. Different surgical approaches can be used for tumor resection: posterior midline approach, anterior approach via mandible osteotomy, or combined. Total or partial laminectomy can be used to gain access to the tumor.