Naso-Ethmoidal Schwannoma: From Pathology to Surgical Strategies.

Background

Naso-ethmoidal schwannoma is a rare slow-growing tumor arising from the Schwann cells of the sinonasal tract. This study discusses the evolution of surgical approaches to naso-ethmoidal schwannomas with respect to tumor growth and recent advances in minimally invasive techniques. Materials and

Methods

A comprehensive literature review on Embase online electronic database on benign naso-ethmoidal schwannoma was performed. Demographic, clinical, neuroradiological, pathological, and surgical factors were analyzed and discussed.

Results

Twenty-five cases met the inclusion criteria. No predilection for gender was evident. The mean age at diagnosis was 40.2 years old. Nasal obstruction was the most common presenting symptom (64%), followed by headache (60%), hypo-anosmia (24%), and visual impairment (24%). Skull base and orbital involvement were registered in 64% and 16% of cases, respectively. Surgery is the unique curative treatment, with the endoscopic endonasal approach which plays the leading role (44%). Gross total resection was possible in all cases and was associated with no recurrence. The perioperative complication rate was 32% and mainly consisted of cerebrospinal fluid leakage. The mean time for treatment was 21 months. All patients were alive at last follow up.

Conclusion

Surgery is the only curative treatment for naso-ethmoidal schwannomas, with the main goal to relief clinical manifestations. The endoscopic endonasal route represents the master approach for lesions confined to the midline. Transcranial and transorbital approaches play a complementary role when large intracranial extension and orbital involvement occur, respectively.