A case of tongue base schwannoma / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Published reports of benign nerve sheath tumors of the oropharynx especially at tongue base are extremely rare. They may slowly growing but represent a potential threat to the airway, prompt diagnosis and treatment are vital. To our knowledge, this case presents the rare clinical condition and the first giant one. Due to the rarity, awareness of the possibility of a schwannoma in various otolaryngological conditions is an important step in making a correct clinical diagnosis. Here we represent a rare case of a giant schwannoma that arose from valleculae projecting to supraglottis to cause swallowing difficult but no breathing problem. The mass was completely removed, and no recurrence during next 2 years follow-up.