A Rare Case of Submandibular Schwannoma

Abstract

Introduction: Schwannoma is a benign tumour that typically grows slowly and is usually enclosed within a capsule. They arise from the Schwann cells of myelinated nerve fibres. These tumours can sometimes resemble primary or metastatic cancers in the head and neck area. Schwannomas in the salivary glands are especially uncommon and if present is usually found in the parotid gland originating from a peripheral branch of the facial nerve..

Case presentation: Here we report a case of submandibular schwannoma in an 85 year old male who presented with swelling in the jaw for one year. The mass was discrete and well demonstrated on MRI. Total excision of the swelling along with submandibular gland was done. Post-operatively there was complete resolution of symptoms with no cranial nerve deficits. The histopathological features have also been discussed in this study.

Conclusions: Most common differential diagnoses for submandibular swelling includes submandibular sialadenitis, sialolithiasis, pleomorphic adenoma of submandibular gland and lymphadenitis. But rare presentations such as submandibular schwannoma must also be kept in mind as total excision of the mass ensures complete recovery.