Schwannomas of the Frontal Sinus: Cases and Review of the Literature

World Neurosurg. 2018 Feb:110:485-491. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2017.09.046. Epub 2017 Sep 22.

Abstract

Background: Although schwannomas are commonly found in the head and neck region, sinonasal tract involvement is extremely rare, estimated as <4%. The presence of these lesions in the frontal sinus is even less common.

Case description: Two patients presented with schwannomas originating in the frontal sinus with variable degrees of extension. These patients underwent resection of the tumors via an endoscopic or combined approach. The histologic diagnosis confirmed schwannoma in both cases.

Conclusions: Although these lesions have traditionally been approached through larger craniotomies and open procedures, we describe less invasive approaches for these rare frontal sinus schwannomas and demonstrate them as a valid alternative with minimal morbidity for patients.

Keywords: Endoscopic; Frontal sinus; Schwannoma; Sinonasal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Frontal Sinus / diagnostic imaging
  • Frontal Sinus / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurilemmoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Neurilemmoma / pathology
  • Neurilemmoma / surgery*
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / pathology
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / surgery*