[Schwannoma in the epipharynx: a rare differential diagnosis]

HNO. 2013 May;61(5):425-8. doi: 10.1007/s00106-012-2583-1.
[Article in German]

Abstract

There are many benign and malignant tumors of the epipharynx, which makes differential diagnosis difficult. As a very rare differential diagnosis, a schwannoma is possible. The origin of the tumor is most likely a small branch of a sensitive nerve of the glossopharyngeal nerve or the trigeminus nerve. A clear differentiation in the MRI scan is often not possible; especially differentiation from MPNST (malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors) is difficult. To confirm the diagnosis and exclude malignancy, every tumor in the epipharynx should be surgically excised if possible, even if the patient has no discomfort.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Neurilemmoma / diagnosis*
  • Pharyngeal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pharyngeal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Rare Diseases / diagnosis
  • Treatment Outcome