Schwannoma
Pronunciation: shwan-OH-mah
Benign nerve sheath tumor that can occur in the oral and maxillofacial region.
Full Definition
Schwannoma is a benign tumor arising from Schwann cells that form the myelin sheath around peripheral nerves. In the oral and maxillofacial region, schwannomas most commonly affect the tongue, buccal mucosa, and mandibular region, often involving the trigeminal nerve or its branches. These slow-growing tumors present as asymptomatic masses that may cause numbness or altered sensation when involving sensory nerves. Imaging typically shows a well-encapsulated mass with possible nerve enlargement. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice, though this may result in permanent nerve deficit depending on tumor size and location.
Usage
Usage note: Requires careful surgical planning to minimize nerve damage during excision.
In Context
- "The lingual schwannoma was carefully excised while preserving surrounding nerve function." — operative report
- "MRI findings were consistent with schwannoma of the inferior alveolar nerve." — radiological assessment