BRACHIAL PLEXUS SCHWANNOMA

Abstract

Brachial plexus schwannoma is a rare entity representing only 5% of schwannoma. They create a great challenge to surgeons due to their rare occurrence and complex anatomical location. It is a benign nerve sheath tumor and the commonest presentation is painless slow growing supraclavicular firm swelling. Infiltration or pressure over the surrounding structure might give pain, paraethsia etc. One of the differential diagnosis of such swelling should be schwannoma. MRI is helpful in diagnosis since FNAC may damage the nerve and hemorrhage can give rise to pressure symptoms. Complete excision of the lesion along with preservation of the nerve is needed.
Keywords: Brachial plexus schwannoma, excision, FNAC, MRI