[Neurinoma of the hard palate in an 11-year-old girl. Case report].

BACKGROUND

Neurinomas or schwannomas are benign, encapsulated growing tumors of the Schwann cells of the nerve sheets; 25-45% are located in the head and neck region. They are found rarely in the oral cavity. Most of the intraoral schwannomas are located on the tongue. Other less common locations are the buccal mucosa, palate, floor of the mouth, gingiva and lips. The therapy of choice is complete surgical excision.

CASE REPORT: An 11-year-old girl presented with a 3-month history of painless swelling of the hard palate. CT scan showed a right palatinal mass of 2 cm, reaching into the right maxillary sinus. After complete surgical excision the histological findings showed a neurinoma (Antoni type A). During a 2-year follow-up, there were no signs of recurrence. Because of the benign tumor type we considered the young patient to be healed.