Nonmalignant Nerve Sheath Tumors of the Upper Airway in Pediatric Patients: Two Case Reports and Discussion of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Tools

Nerve sheath tumors of the upper airway are extremely uncommon. Asthma, with its associated wheezing and dyspnea, is one of the most commonly encountered respiratory diseases in the pediatric population. Perhaps as a consequence, tumors and other disorders affecting the upper airway, which often present in a similar or identical manner to asthma, are commonly misdiagnosed. Since airway obstruction, bleeding, and ultimate respiratory failure are potential complications of upper airway disease, timely diagnosis is critical. We report two cases of peripheral nerve sheath tumor, one endotracheal, and one subglottic, with a twofold purpose: (1) as case reports of nonmalignant nerve sheath tumor presenting in extremely uncommon locations, and (2) to emphasize the importance of history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing in making a prompt and accurate diagnosis.