Schwannoma of the Tongue: A Case Report

Abstract

Schwannomas (SW) are typically small, solitary, nonaggressive lesions involving peripheral, spinal or cranial nerves. The tongue SW amounts to about 1% of total SW cases in the oral cavity. In the present case report, we discussed a case of SW of the lateral side of the tongue and its management. A 25-year-old male presented to the outpatient department with a gradually enlarging, asymptomatic mass located on the left side of the anterior aspect of the tongue, persisting for one month. On oral examination, a nodule of about 3 cm in size, elastic, tender, and smooth, placed on the left lateral side of the tongue, covered by mucosa, was seen. The magnetic resonance imaging report indicated a clearly defined mass encapsulated within the thickness of the left tongue, with minor involvement on the right lateral aspect of the tongue. After receiving his consent, the patient underwent a complete trans-oral surgical excision under general anesthesia without incident. The excised mass was sent for a histopathological assessment, which diagnosed the lesion as a SW. To conclude, SWs of the oral cavity are quite rare and mostly occur on the tongue. Only radiological and histological tests can confirm a diagnosis.