Tongue Base Schwannoma Presenting with Dyspnea

Abstract

Schwannoma is a benign nerve sheath tumor arising from Schwann cells. Its exact etiology remains known. Tongue base schwannoma is a remarkably rare form of schwannoma. Although it often presents with dysphagia and swelling, it may cause obstructive airway problems as its size increases. Since it affects all age groups, its differential diagnosis typically includes congenital, infectious masses, and benign/malignant neoplasia of vascular and mesenchymal origin. In this study, the authors report on a 43-year-old patient with tongue base schwannoma, and the authors also review the cases reported in the literature over the last 60 years in terms of mass size, primary presenting complaint, and surgical techniques preferred in the studies.