Dysphagia caused by giant schwannoma of the supraglottic oropharynx: A case report and review of the literature

Soft palate resection and secondary healing not to impair the velopharyngeal function? - Diagnosis and treatment of an intraoral schwannoma: A case report

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Schwannomas are benign nerve sheath tumors and mostly occur (25–45%) in the head and neck.

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1–12% of schwannomas affect the intraoral area, most frequently the tongue or mouth floor followed by palate, gingiva, vestibule and lips.

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The cure requires full surgical excision with clear margins to prevent a recurrence and malignant transformation, which is considered rare.

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Resection of soft palate tumors can make reconstruction necessary to obtain velopharyngeal function.

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To strive full regeneration and function of the velopharyngeal apparatus, in mucosal and even muscle defects of the soft palate, secondary healing can be the option of choice.

Introduction

Schwannomas are benign lesions arising from the nerve sheath, commonly located in the head and neck. Intraoral schwannomas mostly occur in tongue and lips and are rarely located in the soft palate.

Presentation of case

We describe the diagnostic assessment and treatment of 18-year old male presenting with an intraoral mass on the soft palate.

Discussion

The treatment of choice in peripheral nerve sheath tumors is conservative resection and due to location and impairment, reconstruction. Secondary healing of soft palate defects is rarely described in the literature.

Conclusion

With this case report, we demonstrate the feasibility of secondary healing after resection of a 3,0 × 1,9 × 2,1 cm schwannoma in the soft palate, resulting in no postoperative impairments, especially due to velopharyngeal function in a follow-up period of 2 months.