Schwannoma originating in the soft palate: A case report

Abstract

Introduction and importance Schwannomas are relatively uncommon, benign, slow-growing neoplasms, which are derived from schwann cells that can arise from any cranial, peripheral, or autonomic nerves. The involvement of the palate is a rare presentation and hardly reported in the literature. Case presentation Here, we report the case of a 39-year-old woman with a history of a foreign body sensation in the throat and difficult swallowing. Clinical findings and investigations Oral examination showed a smooth, non-tender, right-sided, soft palate mass. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a well-defined, non-enhancing, homogenous pedunculated soft tissue mass arising from the posterior edge of the right side of the soft palate. Interventions and outcome The mass was excised completely under local anesthesia in the clinical setting using a CO2 surgical laser. The mass was sent for histologic analysis, which confirmed the diagnosis of a benign schwannoma. Conclusion Eventually, upon follow-up at six months post excision, no evidence of recurrence was detected.