Cellular schwannoma of the base of tongue: A case report

Schwannomas are solid, well-encapsulated masses that develop eccentrically toward the nerve from that they originate. They typically affect the head and neck and involve Schwann cells surrounding autonomic, peripheral, and cranial nerves. Intraoral schwannoma is most affected by the tongue, with 54% male preponderance. The most common neural tumors in the oral cavity include neurofibroma, schwannoma, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). CD56 is more specific in schwannomas than neurofibromas, with CD56 expressed strongly in 90% of schwannomas and negative in 86% of neurofibromas. Schwannoma has various histological variants, including ancient schwannoma, Cellular schwannoma, epithelioid schwannoma, Microcystic/reticular variant, Neuroblastoma-like variant, and plexiform schwannoma. CD56, when combined with S-100 and calretinin, can help diagnose peripheral nerve sheath tumors like schwannomas and neurofibromas. Surgical excision with nerve preservation is typically curative, but size and location may affect the surgical strategy. Schwannoma management aims to remove the capsule, minimize malignant emergence, and make the prognosis favorable.