Olfactory nerve schwannoma: how human anatomy and electron microscopy can help to solve an intriguing scientific puzzle

Abstract

Schwannomas of the olfactory nerve are rare tumors: to the best of our knowledge, 56 cases have been previously reported. Here we describe a new patient presenting with an isolated olfactory schwannoma, highlighting the importance of multiple ancillary tests to approach the intracranial lesion of the anterior skull base, including electron microscopy. We also discuss the enigmatic origin of this entity, moving from the normal histology of the olfactory nerve compared to a peripheral nerve.

Keywords: Olfactory nerves; electron microscopy; nervus terminalis; olfactory ensheathing cell tumors; olfactory groove schwannoma.