Schwannoma in Soft Palate: A Rare Case Report with Review of Literature

Abstract

Schwannoma is a benign tumor originating from Schwann cells of the nerve sheath. Approximately 25-45% of the schwannomas are seen in the head and neck region and are found rarely in the oral cavity (only 1%). The most common intra-oral site is tongue, followed by floor of the mouth, buccal mucosa, palate, gingiva and lips. We report a rare case of schwannoma in the soft palate in a 22 years old female. She presented with 6 months history of a painless swelling in palate. The provisional diagnosis was made as some benign neoplasm of minor salivary gland. The tumour was excised intra-orally under general anesthesia. Histopathologic examination showed neural tissue arranged in predominantly Antoni A pattern and formation of verocay bodies. It is difficult to diagnose this tumor based on clinical appearance. Therefore final diagnosis can only be done after histopathological examination of the lesion. Prognosis is good and recurrence is unknown.

Keywords: Antoni A and B pattern; Schwannoma; Soft palate; Verocay bodies.

Fig. 1

Clinical photograph of the swelling

Fig. 2

CT scan axial view showing the tumour (black arrow) inside soft palate

Fig. 3

Intra-operative photograph

Fig. 4

Excised tumour in toto

Fig. 5

High power magnification view of H & E stained slide showing palisading spindle cells surrounding central eosinophilic area (Antoni A) as well as less cellular area (Antoni B)

Fig. 6:

1 year post-operative photograph