The Occurrence of a Rare Mandibular Retromolar Triangle Schwannoma and Its Differentiation from Other Rare and Atypical Oral Cavity Tumours

Abstract

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) remains the diagnostic modality of choice. The involvement of the cortical bone and adjacent teeth can be easily established via CBCT. Magnetic resonance can be helpful in the estimation of any other soft-tissue tumour spread within this anatomical area. The soft, hard-tissue, or mixed aetiology of tumours requires a differential diagnosis and accurate evaluation. If such pathologies arise, an adequate biopsy or incisional biopsy is essential to evaluate the type of tumour histopathologically. The occurrence of some neural tumours in the oral cavity is rare. Schwannomas (SCs), like some neuromas and other types of neural tumours, are rare and atypical. During clinical examination, a smooth, sponge-like, elastic mass could indicate other small salivary gland tumours rather than an oral neural tumour. Such pathologies of neural origins are quite rare and are uncommon findings in the oral cavity; therefore, their appearance may be conflated with other more typical benign or malignant tumours in the oral cavity. Establishing the status of bone via CBCT, the tooth involvement and the composition of the cortical bone may be helpful for establishing the best treatment of choice. The presented case report describes a rare schwannoma localised at the mandibular retromolar trigone.

Keywords

• mandible
• schwannoma
• salivary gland
• pleomorphic adenoma
• neurilemoma