title: Spontaneous regression of a cystic hypoglossal schwannoma causing unilateral tongue atrophy.
abstract: A 60-year-old lady presented with intermittent headaches. Examination revealed striking marked unilateral tongue atrophy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a cystic lesion in the hypoglossal canal and a provisional diagnosis of cystic hypoglossal schwannoma made. Annual surveillance scans showed stable appearances but surprisingly at 3 years they showed a significant reduction in the size of the lesion. Most patients with hypoglossal schwannomas present with ipsilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy; careful cranial nerve examination is vital in diagnosing such rare lesions. Little is known of their natural history, with most lesions undergoing surgery. This case highlights spontaneous regression following non-operative management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton , Southampton , UK.
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Durnford
authors.forename: Stuart E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Harrisson
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ditchfield
authors.forename: Emad
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Shenouda
mesh_terms: D001284:Atrophy / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D003390:Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D003560:Cysts / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020437:Hypoglossal Nerve Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009365:Neoplasm Regression, Spontaneous; D009442:Neurilemmoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D014059:Tongue / Q000473:pathology*