Removal of large infratemporal fossa schwannoma; case report and review of literature

ABSTRACT

Schwannomas are encapsulated benign tumors of the Schwann cells. Schwannomas arising in the infratemporal fossa [ITF] are rarely reported. We report a case of ITF schwannoma extending to the skull base and orbital floor, involving posterior ethmoidal cells, retrobulbar region, buccal space part of posterior maxilla and right maxillary sinus. A 35-year old female presented to us with swelling on the right side of the face. Biopsy revealed a schwannoma. The tumor was successfully removed via anterior approach through modified Weber-Ferguson incision. Modified Weber-Ferguson incision is a useful approach for the removal of large benign tumors arising in the infratemporal fossa that involve the maxilla and maxillary sinus