Retropharyngeal Space Schwannoma: A Rare Entity

Abstract

<strong><em>Introduction:</em></strong><br /> Retropharyngeal space schwannomas are rare entities. About 20-45% of schwannomas occur in the head and neck region; however, they represent less than 1% of all head and neck tumors.<br /> <strong><em>Case Report:</em></strong><br /> We present the case of a 36-year-old woman complaining of dysphagia caused by a large schwannoma arising in the posterior pharyngeal wall with remarkable reduction of the oropharyngeal space. The tumor was resected through a combined transoral and cervicotomic transmandibular approach due to its dimension. No recurrence was observed after a two-year follow up. This case represents the thirteenth case reported in international literature.<br /> <strong><em>Conclusion:</em></strong><br /> Preoperative settings for rare tumors such as retropharyngeal schwannomas should include radiological investigations and preoperative biopsy. In order to obtain a successful result in terms of radicality, a combined surgical approach may be necessary to completely control the extension of the lesion.<br /> <br /> <strong><em> </em></strong><br />