Intraosseous mandibular schwannoma mimicking an odontogenic keratocyst, with a postsurgical pathological fracture

Abstract

Objective: Schwannomas are slowly growing tumours derived from Schwann cells. We present a clinical case of schwannoma in the mandibular angle.

Method: Case report and a review of the world literature concerning intraosseous schwannoma of the maxillofacial region.

Results: Schwannomas or neurilemmomas are slow-growing, benign neoplasms derived from Schwann cells. Intraoral lesions are unusual and intraosseous schwannomas are even rarer, representing less than 1 per cent of benign primary tumours of the bones. We present a clinical case of schwannoma in the mandibular angle mimicking a keratocystic odontogenic tumour, with a complicated posterior evolution.

Conclusion: Clinically, neurilemmomas are slow-growing tumours which may be present for years before becoming symptomatic. Radiographically, the image may be suggestive of a benign process such as an odontogenic keratocyst. Histological analysis of the specimens obtained is extremely important in order to establish the final diagnosis.