Carotid Sympathetic Plexus Schwannoma Presenting as Middle Ear and External Auditory Canal Mass

Abstract

Schwannomas in the middle ear and external auditory canal are exceedingly rare. The facial nerve, chorda tympani nerve, and Jacobson’s nerve have rarely been reported as the origins of primary schwannomas in the middle ear cavity. We experienced a case of carotid sympathetic plexus (CSP) schwannoma that arose from the carotid canal and extended into the middle ear and external auditory canal. The tumor presented bone erosion of the carotid canal, and it adhered tightly to the internal carotid artery. This report represents the first documented case of a CSP schwannoma, which involved the middle ear and external auditory canal.