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Schwannoma arising from intramasseteric region
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao-tong University, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|December 2, 2010
Summary
Intramasseteric schwannoma, a rare tumor originating in the masseter muscle, was diagnosed in a middle-aged woman. Surgical resection was successful, with no recurrence or neurological issues observed two years post-operation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neurosurgery
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Schwannomas are typically found in the parapharyngeal space, making intramasseteric occurrences exceptionally rare.
- This case highlights an unusual presentation of schwannoma within the masseter muscle of the head and neck.
Observation:
- A middle-aged woman presented with a painless, 3-year-old right cheek mass.
- Computed tomography confirmed the mass was embedded within the masseter muscle.
- Fine-needle aspiration revealed spindle neoplastic cells, suggesting a mesenchymal origin.
Findings:
- Complete surgical resection of the well-circumscribed mass (4 × 3 × 2 cm) was performed.
- Histological examination and immunohistochemical staining (S-100, vimentin) confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma.
- The patient experienced no recurrence or neurological deficits at the 2-year follow-up.
Implications:
- This case expands the known anatomical locations for schwannoma.
- It underscores the importance of considering rare differential diagnoses for head and neck masses.
- Successful surgical management of intramasseteric schwannoma is demonstrated, with favorable long-term outcomes.
