Retropharyngeal Space Schwannoma: A Rare Entity

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Insubria, Varese. ASST dei Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi

2 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ospedale Giovanni Borea, Sanremo

Abstract

Introduction:
Retropharyngeal space schwannomas are rare entities. About 20-45% of schwannomas occur in the head and neck region; however, they represent less than 1% of all head and neck tumors.
 Case Report:
We present the case of a 36-year-old woman complaining of dysphagia caused by a large schwannoma arising in the posterior pharyngeal wall with remarkable reduction of the oropharyngeal space. The tumor was resected through a combined transoral and cervicotomic transmandibular approach due to its dimension. No recurrence was observed after a two-year follow up.  This case represents the thirteenth case reported in international literature.
 Conclusion:
Preoperative settings for rare tumors such as retropharyngeal schwannomas should include radiological investigations and preoperative biopsy. In order to obtain a successful result in terms of radicality, a combined surgical approach may be necessary to completely control the extension of the lesion.
 
 
 

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Volume 29, Issue 6 - Serial Number 95
November and December 2017
Pages 353-357

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