Management of malignant schwannomas of the paranasal sinuses and anterior skull base

Abstract

The evolution of skull base surgery has facilitated the extirpation of previously unresectable tumors. As experience with skull base surgery increases, the feasibility of resection and long-term outcomes is becoming apparent for the more common lesions. Neoplasms such as malignant schwannomas are rare and, therefore, defy single-institution analysis. The treatment and four-year follow-up of a malignant paranasal sinus and anterior skull base schwannoma is described. Analysis of the literature confirms the low incidence of this tumor and supports the efficacy of skull base surgery in its treatment.