Sinonasal Schwannoma: A Case Report and Updated Review of the Literature

Edwin A Takahashi,Christopher J Stevens,Christopher P Wood,Nathan C Hull,Steven M Weindling,Joseph M Hoxworth

doi:10.4236/ojmi.2015.52010

Abstract

Sinonasal schwannomas are rare, benign and slow-growing peripheral nerve sheath tumors without age, race, or gender predilection. We present the unusual case of a 59-year-old female who pre-sented with right-sided retro-orbital pressure and rhinorrhea. Radiographic imaging revealed a mass centered in the right superior nasal cavity with extension through the cribriform plate into the right more than the left subfrontal region. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of a sinonasal schwannoma, which was resected via nasal endoscopic surgery and ethmoidectomy. These tumors, albeit rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with a para-nasal sinus mass to ensure inclusion of this benign lesion and avoid unnecessary aggressive in-tervention.

Highlights

Schwannomas, known as neurilemomas, are benign and slow-growing peripheral nerve sheath tumors composed of Schwann cells
25% - 45% of schwannomas occur in the head and neck, and most frequently involve the vestibular division of cranial nerve VIII [1] [2]
We present a case of a relatively uncommon sinonasal schwannoma with symptoms of headache, eye pain, and visual disturbances successfully treated with right nasal endoscopic surgery and ethmoidectomy

Summary

Introduction

Schwannomas, known as neurilemomas, are benign and slow-growing peripheral nerve sheath tumors composed of Schwann cells. 25% - 45% of schwannomas occur in the head and neck, and most frequently involve the vestibular division of cranial nerve VIII [1] [2]. About 4% of head and neck schwannomas arise in the sinonasal cavity. These lesions are typically asymptomatic until they grow large enough to. We present a case of a relatively uncommon sinonasal schwannoma with symptoms of headache, eye pain, and visual disturbances successfully treated with right nasal endoscopic surgery and ethmoidectomy

Case Report

Discussion

Conclusion