Thoracoscopic resection of a vagal schwannoma in the superior mediastinum: A case report

Abstract

Neurogenic tumors are the most common type of mediastinal tumor and constitute the majority of neoplasms of the posterior mediastinum. Schwannomas originating from the intrathoracic vagus nerve are extremely rare. The present study describes the case of a 58-year-old man with a large vagal schwannoma in the left superior mediastinum. A large tumor with a round shape was identified in the left superior mediastinum. The tumor originated from and encased the vagus nerve. Using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, the tumor was completely excised with amputation of the vagus nerve encased within in the tumor. One year post-surgery, the patient was free of recurrence with no symptoms other than hoarseness.