Multinodular reticular schwannoma in the head and neck region: a potential diagnostic pitfall

Reticular/microcystic schwannoma is a recently described morphologic variant of schwannoma that occurs predominantly in visceral organs, most commonly the gastrointestinal tract. This report describes a case occurring in the masticator space, accompanied by focal erosion of the orbital floor, clinically and radiologically worrisome for malignancy. The 26-year-old man presented with facial swelling for 3 month. The tumor shows a multinodular appearance, with dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates in the fibrous septa. The tumor nodules are composed of plump spindle cells disposed in a reticular pattern. The diagnosis is confirmed by strong positive staining for S100 protein. The differential diagnoses of reticular schwannoma in the soft tissues of head and neck region are different from those in the gastrointestinal tract.