Neurilemmoma of the tongue – a case report

Abstract

Schwannomas (neurilemmomas) are benign tumours of Schwann cells. They can arise from peripheral, cranial, or autonomic nerves. Malignant transformation of benign schwannoma is very rare. Schwannoma is treated by complete surgical excision. In this case report, we present the demographics and clinico-pathological profile of a case of Schwannoma in the tongue. A 40-year-old male patient presented with a slow-growing swelling beneath the tongue for the past 5 weeks. On intraoral examination, a 2.5×1.5 cm mass was seen at the ventral aspect of tongue. There was no enlargement of lymph nodes. Excisional biopsy was done under local anaesthesia. Histopathological features were suggestive of schwannoma. Despite its rarity of occurrence intra-orally, a differential diagnosis of Schwanomma should be considered for proper management as it favours good prognosis. Key Words : Schwannoma, Neurilemmoma, Schwann cells, Neurofibroma.