Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 16, 2026
Lateral Molar Approach-Driven Transoral Endoscopic Procedure for Benign Infratemporal Fossa Tumor Resection
Published on: August 15, 2025
Schwannoma of infratemporal fossa in a young child
1Department of Otolaryngology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.
Insights
Pediatric schwannomas are rare. This case details a nine-year-old boy with a facial mass and proptosis, diagnosed via biopsy as a schwannoma, successfully treated with surgical excision.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neurosurgery
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Schwannomas, tumors arising from Schwann cells of peripheral nerves, are exceptionally rare in pediatric populations.
- Infratemporal fossa masses in children can present with subtle yet significant symptoms, necessitating thorough diagnostic evaluation.
Observation:
- A nine-year-old male presented with a four-month history of right-sided facial swelling and proptosis.
- CT imaging revealed a heterogeneous mass in the right infratemporal fossa, extending to the posterior ethmoid, with associated bony erosion.
Findings:
- Biopsy confirmed the mass as a schwannoma.
- Surgical resection via the Weber-Ferguson approach achieved complete tumor removal (en bloc).
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses like pediatric schwannomas in the differential for infratemporal fossa masses.
- Complete surgical excision offers a favorable prognosis and symptom resolution for pediatric schwannomas.
- The Weber-Ferguson approach is a viable surgical option for managing complex infratemporal fossa tumors in children.
Abstract:
Schwannomas in children are rare. A nine-year-old boy presented with swelling right side of face and proptosis for 4 months. CT scan showed a heterogenous mass in the right infratemporal fossa and extending to the posterior ethmoid. There was erosion of the bony walls of the infratemporal fossa. A biopsy through the sublabial approach was reported as schwannoma. The tumour was approached by Weber-Ferguson approach and excised in toto with complete relief of symptoms.
