Schwannoma of the accessory phrenic nerve

Otolaryngologists are frequently confronted with the management of cervical tumors. Neurogenic tumors concern, especially, the cranial, sympathetic, or peripheral nerve sheathes. These tumors are benign and grow slowly. The involvement of the cervical part of the phrenic nerve is exceptional, and only 2 cases are reported in the literature. We describe the first case of a cervical schwannoma involving the accessory phrenic nerve. The anatomy and function of the accessory phrenic nerve are reviewed.