Ancient schwannoma of the submandibular gland

Schwannomas, benign tumours derived from Schwann cells, exhibit slow growth rates and are commonly found extracranially in the head, neck and extremities. However, intraoral and salivary gland schwannomas are less frequent. Ancient schwannomas, characterised by histological degenerative changes, represent a rare variant.This report pertains to a case study involving a man in his 40s who presented with a slow, progressive and painless mass in the right submandibular region persisting over 3 years.CT revealed a well-defined multiloculated cystic mass in the right submandibular gland, later confirmed as an ancient schwannoma on excision and histological examination. Immediate postoperative complications included right marginal mandibular nerve palsy, fully resolving within 12 months. No recurrent tumours were detected in subsequent physical examinations and imaging.Ancient schwannomas, although rare, can occur in the submandibular gland. Thorough multimodal diagnostic approaches are essential for accurate differentiation from other submandibular masses.