Transoral laser excision of schwannoma in base of tongue: A case report with review of literature

Abstract

Shwannoma, better known as neurilemmomas, are benign, slow growing, usually solitary and encapsulated tumor, originating from Schwann cells of the nerve sheath. They are exceedingly rare in the base of tongue and, therefore, not immediately thought of as a differential diagnosis of oropharyngeal tumors. However, the key to the diagnosis lies in the histopathologic examination. A number of surgical approaches have been proposed for tongue base Schwannomas with varying degree of postoperative morbidity. We report a case where a 19-year-old woman presented to us with progressive dysphagia, occasional dysarthria, and was found to have a large tongue base lesion. Diagnosis was confirmed by imaging studies and biopsy. Transoral laser assisted excision of the tumor was done. Histologic identification of Antoni A and B areas along with strong and diffuse staining with S-100 stain confirmed the diagnosis of Schwannoma.