J Korean Soc Endocrinol.  1998 Dec;13(4):640-645.

2 Cases of Peripheral Nerve Tumors of Anterior Neck Simulating Thyroid Nodule

• Lim SK
• Song YD
• Lee HC
• Huh KB
• Kim KR
• Nam SY
• Choi BK
• Chung SS
• Kim KW
• Choi SR

Abstract

Peripheral nerve tumors are mostly benign and can arise on any nerve trunk or twig. Although peripheral nerve tumors can occur anywhere in the body, including the spinal roots and cauda equina, many cases are subcutaneous in location and present as a soft swelling, sometimes with a purplish discoloration of skin. There are two major catagories, schwannoma(neurilemmoma), and neurofibroma. Schwannomas are usually solitary and grow in the nerve sheath, rendering them relatively easy to dissect free. In contrast, neurofibromas tend to be multiple, grow in the endoneural substance, which renders them difficult to dissect, may undergo malignant changes, and are the hallmark of von Recklinghausens neurofibromatosis. Masses in the anterior part of neck may be initially thought to be thyroid nodule and then other cervical masses should be considered. The diagnosis rests on clinical suspicion and diagnostic support may be obtained by CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and substraction angiography in the literature. After imaging, fine needle aspiration for cytology may be helpful. If they are resected unrecognized and/or without regard to their nerve origin, major and permanent nerve defects can unnecessarily occur. We experienced 2 cases of peripheral nerve tumors of anterior neck simulating a thyroid nodule.

MeSH Terms

Angiography
Biopsy, Fine-Needle
Cauda Equina
Diagnosis
Neck*
Neurilemmoma
Neurofibroma
Neurofibromatoses
Peripheral Nerves*
Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms*
Skin
Spinal Nerve Roots
Thyroid Gland*
Thyroid Nodule*
Tomography, X-Ray Computed