Schwannomas in the head and neck: retrospective analysis of 21 patients and review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
Schwannomas are benign neoplasms of the peripheral nerves originating in the Schwann cells. According to their cellularity, they can be subdivided into Antoni A or Antoni B types. They are rare and usually solitary, with clearly delimited capsules. They occur in the head and neck region in only 25% of the cases, and may be associated with Von Recklinghausen's disease. The present study retrospectively analyzed some data on this disease in the head and neck region and reviewed the literature on the subject.


METHODS
Retrospective study at Head and Neck Service, Universidade Estadual de Campinas.


METHODS
Data on 21 patients between 1980 and 2003 were reviewed. The sites of cervical schwannomas and the intraoperative, histopathological and postoperative clinical status of these cases were studied. Diagnostic methods, type of surgery and association with neurofibromatosis were evaluated.


RESULTS
The patients' ages ranged from 16 to 72 years. Four patients had a positive past history of type I neurofibromatosis or Von Recklinghausen's disease. The nerves affected included the brachial and cervical plexuses, vagus nerve, sympathetic chain and lingual or recurrent laryngeal nerve. The nerve of origin was not identified in six cases. Tumor enucleation was performed in 16 patients; the other five required more extensive surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Schwannomas and neurofibromas both derive from Schwann cells, but are different entities. They are solitary lesions, except in Von Recklinghausen's disease. They are generally benign, and rarely recur. The recommended surgical treatment is tumor enucleation.
Langner
Erwin
E
Head and Neck Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
Del Negro
André
A
Akashi
Hugo Kenzo
HK
Araújo
Priscila Pereira Costa
PP
Tincani
Alfio José
AJ
Martins
Antonio Santos
AS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009442:Neurilemmoma / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed