Giant funicular intrapharyngeal schwannoma.

Background: Schwannoma is a rare solitary tumor of Schwann cell origin. The Schwann cell surrounds peripheral nerve tissue and is believed to originate from neural crest. Surgery presents main treatment for patients with schwannoma.

Methods: This is a report of a rare case of giant and bizarre-shaped intrapharyngeal schwannoma. A 38-year-old woman with a very large schwannoma (25 cm x 6 cm x 4 cm), which gradually increased in size and with a progressive dysphagia, is presented.

Results: Schwannoma was detected by clinical and endoscopic examination and also with CT scan. Complete resection was achieved by external approach surgery.

Conclusions: The advantage of the lateral pharyngotomy with tracheotomy for complete excision of a mass is demonstrated. It provides an excellent operative exposure and recovery without impairment of breathing and deglutition.