A Case of Lymphoepithelial Cyst Mimicking Cervical Plexus Schwannoma

Neck masses can have various origins and diverse presentations, making accurate diagnosis challenging. Schwannomas and lymphoepithelial cysts are commonly encountered neck tumors, and it is hard to get differential diagnosis. A 50-year-old woman presented with a progressively enlarging right neck mass discovered five years ago. Upon examination, a 3 cm firm, non-tender, and mobile tumor was found in the right neck level II region. Imaging studies suggested a tumor originating from the cervical sympathetic chain. The patient underwent a resection of the tumor under general anesthesia. Postoperative follow-up showed no complications or signs of recurrence. However, contrary to the initial suspicion of a schwannoma, the final pathological examination revealed a lymphoepithelial cyst. In this paper, we present a case of a cervical lymphoepithelial cyst misdiagnosed as a schwannoma, aiming to compare the clinical and histological characteristics of these two tumors and provide insights into appropriate diagnosis and management.