Unmasking Hypoglossal Nerve Schwannomas Mimicking Submandibular Salivary Gland Tumors: Case Report of a Rare Presentation and Surgical Management
Federica Maria Parisi,
Antonino Maniaci,
Giuseppe Broggi,
Lucia Salvatorelli,
Rosario Caltabiano,
Roberto Lavina
Affiliations
Federica Maria Parisi
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, ENT Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
Antonino Maniaci
Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna “Kore”, 94100 Enna, Italy
Giuseppe Broggi
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
Lucia Salvatorelli
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
Rosario Caltabiano
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
Roberto Lavina
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, ENT Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
Background: Schwannomas are solitary neurogenic tumors originating from the myelin-producing cells of the neural sheath. Hypoglossal nerve schwannomas are exceedingly rare, particularly those extracranially originating and mimicking a submandibular salivary gland tumor. Methods: We report the case of a 31-year-old female who presented to our ENT department with a painless swelling in her left submandibular region that has persisted for approximately five months. Discussion: Due to the rarity of these tumors and their unique nature, a comprehensive diagnostic workup is imperative for accurate diagnosis. Surgical excision remains the gold standard treatment. Conclusions: Extracranial hypoglossal nerve schwannomas represent a rare clinical entity requiring a thorough diagnostic process for precise identification. The preferred treatment strategy for managing hypoglossal gland schwannomas involves complete tumor excision while preserving the facial nerve.
