Cervical Sympathetic Neurofibroma Masquerading as Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic condition characterized by frequent episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep. Collapsibility can be increased by underlying anatomic alterations and/or disturbances in upper airway, neuromuscular control, or both, which play key roles in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea. Neurofibromas of the parapharyngeal space are the second most commonly encountered primary tumor of the nerve sheath origin. A parapharyngeal neurofibroma of the cervical sympathetic chain, presenting as obstructive sleep apnea with all the features mimicking that condition is reported here for its rarity in modern clinical practice. A transcervical approach was adopted to excise the tumor in toto, following which patient was completely relieved of the symptoms, especially those of respiratory distress and features of OSAS.