A rare case of nasal schwannoma of middle turbinate

Abstract

Schwannoma is a benign, slow-growing nerve sheath tumor derived from the Schwann cells. Cases with nasal schwannoma arising from nasal septum and inferior turbinate have been reported, though being rare. A 32-yearold male patient presented to our hospital with left side progressive nasal blockage since 4 months and multiple episodes of epistaxis. Anterior rhinoscopy revealed left side smooth spherical nasal mass, which was bleeding on touch. Computed tomography was done, which was suggestive of right side deviated nasal septum. Left nasal cavity soft tissue lesion extended into anterior ethemoid cells, causing widening of the osteomeatal complex. The patient underwent endoscopic excision of nasal mass. Histopathology of nasal mass suggested nasal schwannoma. Though nasal schwannoma is rare, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in case of unilateral nasal mass with epistaxis. Definitive diagnosis of schwannoma can be considered only after final histopathological reporting of the surgical specimen.

Keywords

• Nasal schwannoma
• Middle turbinate
• Tumor