CO₂ Laser for the Treatment of Auricle Schwannoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Am J Case Rep. 2019 Jul 9:20:988-992. doi: 10.12659/AJCR.916714.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Schwannoma, also called neuroma or neurolemmoma, is a tumor originating from the Schwann cells surrounding the nerves. It is an isolated benign tumor and its transformation into malignant cancer is very rare. Relatively uncommon, it is only the 5% of all the tumors of soft tissues. Its localization in the head and neck region accounts for up to 25-45% of schwannomas. In the outer ear, it commonly involves the external auditory canal, while auricle and tympanic membranes are very rare localizations of schwannomas. CASE REPORT We report a case of a 23-year-old male with a 3-year medical history of a growing neoplasm located in the left auricle concha, which was treated with a carbon dioxide laser (CO₂ laser) under local anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS Using a CO₂ laser allowed us to easily remove the tumor, reduce bleeding and surgical time, and avoid sutures and thus unsightly scars on the face. No complications and no relapse at 5 years of follow-up occurred.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carbon Dioxide / therapeutic use*
  • Ear Auricle / pathology
  • Ear Auricle / surgery*
  • Ear Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ear Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Lasers, Gas / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Neurilemmoma / surgery*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide