Benign schwannoma in paranasal sinuses: a clinico-pathological study of five cases, emphasising diagnostic difficulties.

OBJECTIVES

To highlight the difficulty in making a correct diagnosis of benign schwannoma in the paranasal region, to raise awareness of this rare condition, and to suggest the most appropriate treatment.

METHOD: Retrieval of cases retrospectively from archives of the histopathology department of a major UK cancer centre with central review of all cases.

RESULTS

Five cases were identified since 1990 and clinical and pathological features are summarised. Median follow up of patients was 8.1 years. Radiological appearances of local bone invasion and histological features of tumour unencapsulation and hypercellularity could give the mistaken impression of malignant disease and lead to unnecessary over-treatment.

CONCLUSION

Central pathological review and clinical awareness is required. Although local recurrence can occur, the prognosis is excellent. The treatment of choice is local excision. Radiotherapy can be considered, but in most cases it would incur unnecessary morbidity.