Extracranial Hypoglossal Schwannoma: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Schwannomas are solitary neurogenic tumors originating from the myelin sheath of peripheral nerves. Extracranial hypoglossal schwannomas comprise <5% of all head and neck schwannomas and can mimic submandibular salivary gland tumors. Case Report: We report the diagnostic imaging, surgical treatment, and histopathological findings of a rare case of extracranial schwannoma of the hypoglossal nerve in a 73-year-old female, presented with an asymptomatic swelling in the left submandibular region that had been persisted for approximately three years. Conclusion: Accurate diagnosis of this rare clinical entity requires comprehensive diagnostics. The optimal therapeutic strategy is nerve-sparing surgical excision, although it can be challenging.