Cystic Schwannoma of the Maxillary Sinus: Clinical and Radiological Findings

Abstract

Schwannomas are common tumors of the nerve sheath that frequently involve the peripheral nerves of the head and neck. This benign slow-growing neoplasm is composed of nerve-supporting cells, and rarely affects the paranasal sinuses. This lesion usually occurs in the middle-aged patients, with an equal sex distribution. Schwannomas are usually solid tumors, although cystic components are rarely seen in head and neck area. MRI can prompt the diagnosis that however relies on histological examination. The present study reports a case of schwannoma of the maxillary sinus, diagnosed in a 38-year-old woman that presented nasal obstruction, pain in the right facial area and hypoesthesia in the area of right infraorbital nerve for past six months. Clinical presentation, radiologic aspects, histological features and treatment of this tumor were reported.