Pathological Diversity in Schwannomas of the Orofacial Region

Abstract

Schwannoma is a slow-growing, encapsulated benign tumor of the neuroectodermal origin arising from the perineural Schwann cells. This study aims to elucidate the clinicoradiographical and histopathological features of orofacial schwannomas through a case series of seven cases. The patients aged ranged from 13 to 45 years, with a male predilection in the ratio of 5:2. One intraosseous case presented as a radiolucent lesion. All the cases exhibited Antoni A and Antoni B type of microscopic patterns in varying amounts. One case of ancient schwannoma showed degenerative features. The tumor cells showed diffuse positive immunohistochemical reaction for S-100 protein. Our study suggests that intraosseous schwannoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the intraosseous jaw lesions. Histopathologically, it is important to recognize the findings of ancient schwannoma and to avoid misdiagnosing it as a malignant lesion.