Schwannoma at the sinonasal tract and pterygopalatine fossa: Experience at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Eastern India

Abstract

Background: Schwannomas are neoplasms that are rarely found in the sinonasal tract and pterygopalatine fossa (PPF). The objective of this study is to evaluate the schwannoma in the sinonasal tract and PPF including its effectiveness of endoscopic surgical excision of the lesion. Methods: This retrospective study was done between March 2018 and April 2022. There were nine cases of benign schwannomas found in the nasal cavity, the nasal ethmoid and the PPF. All patients had undergone endoscopic endonasal removal of the tumour. Results: All the patients successfully underwent endonasal endoscopic excision of the schwannoma from the sinonasal tract and PPF. Out of nine patients, one showed recurrence after 1 year during follow-up check-ups. None of the patients showed any major vascular complications during surgery. At follow-up, one patient presented with a persistent sensory deficit in the facial area. Conclusions: The endonasal endoscopic approach for schwannoma at the sinonasal tract and PPF is a safe and effective method for biopsy and treatment. This approach is highly effective for visualisation and has the potential to reduce complications. Pre-operative imaging is an important step before successful treatment by endoscopic endonasal removal of the schwannoma.