Optic nerve sheath schwannoma: illustrative case

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Ophthalmology
• Oncology

Background:

• Optic nerve schwannomas are exceptionally rare neurosurgical pathologies.
• The origin of these tumors is debated due to the optic nerve's typical lack of Schwann cells.
• Limited understanding exists regarding the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of optic nerve schwannomas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a clinical case of optic nerve schwannoma.
• To evaluate the efficacy of a minimally invasive surgical approach.
• To contribute to the limited literature on optic nerve schwannomas.

Main Methods:

• Surgical resection of an optic nerve tumor via a minimally invasive supraorbital approach.
• Histopathological examination confirming schwannoma.
• Comprehensive literature review of published optic nerve schwannoma cases.

Main Results:

• Complete resection of the optic nerve schwannoma was achieved in a 40-year-old female patient.
• The patient experienced no postoperative complications or neurological deficits.
• Literature review identified only 18 previously published cases, noting significant variations in tumor characteristics and treatment.

Conclusions:

• Optic nerve schwannomas are extremely rare and require further knowledge accumulation for understanding etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment.
• The minimally invasive supraorbital approach is a viable surgical option for optic nerve schwannomas within the optic canal.