Degenerated schwannoma of the parapharyngeal space "ancient schwannoma". Case report and literature review

Schwannomas are rare, slow-growing, benign neoplasms derived from the schwann cells of the nerve sheath of peripheral nerves. Extracranial schwannomas are most frequently localized within the extremities or the head and neck region. For example, they are common in the skull base,the carotid sheath,and the parapharyngeal space. Beneath several histological variants, schwannomas showing prominent degenerative changes (so-called,,ancient schwannomas") are exceedingly rare. Histopathological features, such as degenerative changes and nuclear atypias in ancient schwannomas, may be easily confused with malignant mesenchymal neoplasm. We present the case of a 32-year-old female who required surgery for a parapharyngeal neoplasm. Histological examination revealed features of an ancient schwannoma.