Endoscopic resection of an anterior skull-base Schwannoma

Abstract

Sinonasal Schwannomas represent less than 4% of all head and neck Schwannomas. These neural sheath tumors arise from the ophthalmic and maxillary divisions of the trigeminal nerve, as well as autonomic nerves from sympathetic fibers of the carotid plexus and parasympathetic fibers of the sphenopalatine ganglion. Patients commonly present with nonspecific symptoms such as nasal obstruction, epistaxis, and anosmia. Nasal endoscopy usually reveals a unilateral polypoid mass. Diagnostic imaging with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) is typically nonspecific. Diagnosis may be delayed due to the masquerade of common sinonasal conditions, such as allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis. We report a case involving a 51-year-old male with an anterior skull-base Schwannoma that was excised endoscopically. Clinical features, imaging characteristics, histopathology, and treatment of sinonasal Schwannomas are discussed. © 2011 American Rhinologic Society-American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, LLC.