Intramandibular plexiform schwannoma presenting as a nonspecific benign lesion

Abstract

Schwannoma, a benign nerve sheath tumor, is quite rare and more so in jawbones. We report a rare case of a plexiform variant of mandibular schwannoma in a 12-year-old female with a swelling in the left mandible. Clinical features were suggestive of dentigerous cyst as a result of missing premolars and canine. Occlusal and panoramic radiography revealed an osteolytic lesion with scalloping margins, bicortical plate expansion, and agenesis of several teeth. Odontogenic keratocyst, central giant cell granuloma, odontogenic myxoma, and ameloblastic fibroma were given as radiological differential diagnoses. Histopathological examination revealed features of plexiform schwannoma which was given as the final diagnosis. The lesion was treated with surgical excision. Although odontogenic cysts/tumors are often thought of in differential diagnosis whenever well-defined radiolucencies in the jaw are encountered, it is prudent to include schwannoma. This exceptional case adds light to the fact that schwannoma should not be overlooked though it is a rare possibility and must be included in differential diagnosis of odontogenic cysts/tumors.