Background: Schwannoma was first described as a pathological entity by Verocay in 1908, and are slow growing benign tumours of the tissue that covers nerves (nerve sheath) with a well-developed capsule. Typically, symptoms of schwannomas are based on the affected nerve, and may arise from any cranial or spinal nerve that has a sheath. Objectives: Here we discuss four cases of schwannomas of the neck along with review of literature. Methods: We present four cases of schwannomas of the head and neck. Findings: In our series of four cases, site of the lesion, clinical history and features were important in arriving at a provisional diagnosis. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging played an important role in demonstrating the spread of schwannomas preoperatively. Histologically, there are two main patterns: Antoni A pattern, with palisading nuclei surrounding pink areas (Verocay bodies), and Antoni B pattern, with loosely arranged stroma and fewer cells. Conclusion: Masses in the neck are common and it is often difficult to establish the nature of these lesions on clinical examination. Differential diagnosis of nodules in this area must include schwannomas that may mimic other conditions such as metastasis or infection. Fine-needle aspiration of these masses is useful, but not always diagnostic. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice, and the possibility of nerve injury should be kept in mind. Schwannomas are benign tumours, and their prognosis is excellent because local recurrence is rare.
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