What is a common risk when excising Schwannomas in sensitive areas like the neck?

When excising Schwannomas in sensitive areas such as the neck, one common risk is severing a cranial nerve. Schwannomas, which are tumors that arise from Schwann cells—the cells that form the myelin sheath around peripheral nerves—are often located near or around cranial and spinal nerves. The neck has a complex anatomy with many critical structures, including the cranial nerves.

During surgical procedures in such confined spaces, the proximity of these nerves makes it challenging to safely remove the tumor without causing damage. If a cranial nerve is severed or injured during the excision, it can lead to significant neurological deficits, which may include loss of movement, sensation, or other functions related to the affected nerve. This is why careful surgical technique and knowledge of the anatomy in these sensitive areas are crucial to minimize the risk of nerve injury during the procedure.