RLN schwannomas are exceedingly rare; neurogenic tumors should be considered in paratrachyroid masses near the inferior pole, especially when imaging shows an extrathyroidal cystic lesion and cytology is nondiagnostic. Preoperative evaluation with ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced CT facilitates diagnosis, and surgical excision with nerve function preservation should be prioritized.
Yamauchi et al. (Tue,) studied this question.