An Overview of Schwannomas –ATypical Presentation and Challenges

Introduction: Neurogenic tumors include schwanomma and neurofibromas. They occur often in the
head and neck. However their occurrence on the vagus is uncommon. A high index of suspicion is
needed to order imaging in pelvic lesions that present atypically.
Discussion: Schwanommas are hypointense on T1 and heterogeneously hyperintense on T2 on
MRI. The histopathological appearance with Antoni type A and type B is typical of Schwanomma.
Conclusion: Schwanommas are slow growing benign tumors that are separable from the parent
nerve. Recurrence is uncommon after resection. Schwannomas arising from vagus nerve cause
bradycardia and the anesthetist must be vigilant during surgical excision. Pelvic schwannomas may
present with constipation. We present our cases for their challenges and uncommon presentations.