A Case of Schwannoma of the Pterygopalatine Fossa

Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology 2006;22(2):163-166.
Published online November 30, 2006.

Hyoung Shin Lee;Jong Chul Hong;Tai Hyun Yu;Hwan Ho Lee

익돌구개와에 발생한 신경초종 1예

이형신;홍종철;유태현;이환호

Abstract

Schwannomas are benign tumors arising from the nerve sheaths of peripheral, autonomic and cranial nerves. Between 25% and 45% of all schwannomas occur in the head and neck region but only 4% involve the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus. Moreover, schwannoma of the pterygopalatine fossa is extremely rare. We present a case of schwannoma of the pterygopalatine fossa in a 43-year-old woman. The patient was surgically managed with endoscopic transnasal approach combined with transantral approach. After 16 months, the patient shows no evidence of recurrence.

Key Words: Schwannoma, Paranasal sinus neoplasm