Submandibular approach for excision of a large schwannoma in the base of the tongue.
A 24-year-old Turkish woman is described, who gradually developed progressive swallowing problems over 6 months due to a tumor in the base of the tongue. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large well-circumscribed solid mass. Histopathological examination of an incisional biopsy showed a schwannoma. The tumor was completely removed through a submandibular approach. The postoperative course was uneventful and her complaints disappeared. The submandibular approach used gave an excellent exposure of the base of tongue with a less obvious scar than a lip-splitting incision.
de Bree
R
R
Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Westerveld
G J
GJ
Smeele
L E
LE
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery; D009442:Neurilemmoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014059:Tongue / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*