Abstract

CELEDON L, Carlos; PARDO J, Javiera; ABARCA A, Alfredo  and  DELANO R, Paul H. Nonvestibular schwannomas of the head and neck: Presentation of 6 clinical cases. Rev. Otorrinolaringol. Cir. Cabeza Cuello [online]. 2011, vol.71, n.1, pp. 44-52. ISSN 0718-4816.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-48162011000100007.

Introduction: Non vestibular head and neck schwannomas are benign tumors of low frequency that can produce great morbidity, depending on its location. Objective: Describe the experience of Otolaryngology Department from the Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile in the management of non vestibular head and neck schwannomas. Material and method: Retrospective, descriptive study of the non vestibular schwannomas of head and neck diagnosed between the year 1998 and 2010. Clinical history, study of images, operative protocols and clinical follow-up were analyzed. Results: A total of 6 patients four male and two female, with a mean age of 36 years. The average time of evolution was 15.6 months with a range from 2 to 48 months. In all patients the tumor was excised completely. The diagnosis was confirmed by histology in all cases. Conclusions: The non vestibular schwannomas of head and neck are slow- grow tumors with few symptoms. Provided that the diagnosis of certainty is only realized by biopsy, it is necessary to have a high index of pre-operative suspicion.

Keywords : Non vestibular schwannoma; tumors of head and neck.