(Left) Coronal MRI T1-weighted image with Gadolinium; (Right) Axial T2-weighted image at the level of C1. Note the large dumb-bell shaped mass at the C1 level. Also note the deformity on the adjacent spinal cord. The mass is growing through the intervertebral foramen resulting in the dumb-bell shape.  At surgery, pathological examination revealed a schwannoma. Schwannomas are  histologically benign tumors, seen along the course of peripheral nerves, nerve roots, and cranial nerves (especially CN V and VIII).