Hypoglossal schwannoma in the submandibular space

Abstract

Most schwannomas of the hypoglossal nerve originate from the intracranial portion, but they may extend extracranially. Solitary and extracranial schwannomas are extremely rare. We report a case of submandibular hypoglossal schwannoma along with its clinical course and management.

Hypoglossal schwannoma presenting as hemi-atrophy of the tongue

“…There was tongue deviation to the left side with hemi-atrophy of the tongue [ Figure 1]. [4] The differential diagnosis of tumor involving hypoglossal canal includes chemodectoma, chordoma, meningioma, lymphoma, and metastatic tumors. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the neck showed mass in the left cerebellopontine angle and left parapharyngeal area.…”

“…Intracranial tumors, especially meningiomas are known to penetrate dura and bone. This unusual growth pattern of high-grade gliomas has been described in the literature only on few occasions [2][3][4][5][2][3][4][5]…”

“…However, dural invasion and calvarial destruction by a glioma leading to an outward growth is extremely rare [3]. [6][7][8][9][10][11] Dural invasion and calvarial destruction by gliomas can occur either after surgery/ irradiation[8][9][10][11] or spontaneously in the absence of any prior intervention [3][4][5][3][4][5]…”

Schwannoma of the submandibular region

“…Hypoglossal nerve schwannoma is rarely reported in the literature. [4] Our case is one of these rarely described forms of schwannoma.…”

Hypoglossal Schwannoma: A Rare Case Report

“…The morbidity and mortality is related with the brainstem compression and associated cranial nerve palsies [21][22][23]. Steriotactic Radiosurgery is an alternative treatment that has emerged recently and can be used as an adjuvant or in the salvage setting or for very small tumours especially when they are adjacent to critical structures.…”