A RARE CASE REPORT- NASAL COLUMELLAR SCHWANNOMA WITH REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Background: Schwannomas are benign tumors, that originate from Schwann cells. Less than 4% of these tumors arise in the sinonasal tract. Columellar involvement is extremely rare.

Case Report: A 16 year old male with 5 months history of bilateral nasal obstruction and swelling in the right nasal cavity presented to our OPD. On physical examination, mass arising from right columellar region associated with hypervascularity observed. The computed tomography revealed heterogenous soft-tissue density in the right anterior nasal cavity. The mass was excised in toto via upper gingivo-buccal incision. An oval, whitish, firm, well-encapsulated mass measuring 2.5×2×1cm was removed. Histopathological examination revealed Antoni A and Antoni B areas. Findings were thereby consistent with the diagnosis of nasal schwannoma. Post-operative course was uneventful.

Discussion: Schwannomas are tumors originating from Schwann cells and can occur in various locations, including the head and neck region. Sinonasal schwannomas, though rare, can present with symptoms such as nasal obstruction, epistaxis, and facial swelling. Diagnosis relies on histological examination, while imaging helps delineate lesion extent. Treatment typically involves surgical resection, with different approaches based on tumor location. Notably, schwannomas generally have a low recurrence rate, except in cases associated with neurofibromatosis type 2.

Conclusion: Nasal schwannomas are very rare in the sino-nasal tract, however they should be considered as apart of differential diagnosis for nasal masses.