Rare and silent: Diagnostic and surgical pathways in extracranial hypoglossal schwannoma resection

Abstract

Hypoglossal schwannomas are rare cranial nerve tumors that often present with subtle symptoms, complicating diagnosis and management. This report details a case of a 44-year-old female with a three-week history of dizziness, mild dysphagia, and pharyngeal swelling region. MRI revealed a 3 x 4 × 5 cm parapharyngeal mass displacing the internal carotid artery in the right carotid space. The patient successfully underwent surgical resection, achieving complete tumor excision while preserving nerve function. This case highlights the importance of detailed imaging, a high suspicion for rare cranial nerve tumors, and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to their management.