Vidian Nerve Schwannoma Extending Into the Foramen Rotundum in a Female Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

Schwannomas are benign tumors that can develop in any part of a nerve containing Schwann cells. Skull base schwannomas are rare, representing approximately 4% of extracranial schwannomas. Among these, vidian nerve schwannomas are particularly uncommon, with only a few documented cases. In this report, we describe the case of a 58-year-old female patient who presented with an incidental finding of a skull base mass. The patient’s only symptoms were intermittent headaches and dry eyes. No mass was detected during the physical examination. Radiographic evaluation revealed a neoplasm within the vidian canal, and the lesion’s characteristics suggested a schwannoma. The patient underwent endoscopic resection, and subsequent histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma. Follow-up imaging and physical examination showed no evidence of recurrence. This case report highlights a schwannoma located in the vidian canal and extending into the foramen rotundum, which was successfully managed with endoscopic surgery.

Keywords

• neurilemmoma
• nerve sheath neoplasms
• transnasal endoscopic surgery
• foramen rotundum