Schwannoma base of Tongue - Case Report with a Novel Reconstruction Technique.

Abstract

Schwannomas are benign, slow-growing well-encapsulated neoplasms arising from Schwann cells of nerve sheaths. Oral cavity schwannomas are very rare with an incidence less than 1%. The posterior third of the tongue is not frequently involved. We report a rare case of a large tongue base schwannoma in a 44 year old female managed surgically by lateral pharyngotomy approach. A novel reconstruction method involving the use of submental flap is described for the functional reconstruction of the defect. Being a rare tumor, schwannoma should not be missed in the differential diagnosis of tongue base tumors. Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice with recurrence being very rare.