Base of tongue schwannoma: a case report

Abstract

Both malignant and benign lesions may be found on the base of the tongue, including metastasis from other sites. Various surgical approaches to the base of tongue have been described. Here, we report a case of a 26-year-old woman with a schwannoma in the base of tongue removed through a suprahyoid pharyngotomy approach. The biology and pathology of schwannoma in the oral cavity are discussed. The advantage of the suprahyoid pharyngotomy approach for complete excision of a mass in the base of tongue is demonstrated.