A Case of Schwannoma Arising from the Sphenoid Sinus

Abstract

Schwannomas are neurogenic tumors that arise from the Schwann cells of the nerve sheath. Although up to 45% of all schwannomas occur in the head and neck region, only 4% involve the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. A 56-year-old female presented with an incidentally discovered lesion in the left posterior ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses on the brain magnetic resonance imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a well demarcated mass without bony destruction with isointensity in T1 and hyperintensity in T2 weighted scans. Eighteen months later, repeated computed tomography showed an enlargement of the mass with the erosion of the adjacent sinus wall and left vidian canal. She underwent an endoscopic mass removal, which revealed a pale yellowish, firm mass in the left posterior ethmoid and sphe noid sinuses. Final histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of a schwannoma. There has been no evidence of recurrence during the two-year follow-up. � Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2011;54:89-92 Key WordsZZSphenoid sinus ㆍSchwannoma.