Ancient Schwannoma Mimicking Salivary Gland Tumor in the Submental Space: Diagnostic and Histopathological Insights
Dion Arnold Patrao
K S Hegde Medical Academy (Nitte Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka - 575018, India.
Prajwal Chandrashekhara *
K S Hegde Medical Academy (Nitte Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka - 575018, India.
Kalale Radhakrishnan Bhagavan
K S Hegde Medical Academy (Nitte Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka - 575018, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Ancient schwannoma is a rare, benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor exhibiting degenerative changes. Its presentation in the submental region is extremely uncommon and may be clinically mistaken for a salivary gland tumor.
Case Presentation: We report the case of a 51-year-old female who presented with a painless, progressively enlarging swelling in the submental region over four months. Clinical and imaging evaluation suggested a lesion arising from the sublingual gland, and FNAC raised suspicion of malignancy. The mass was excised under general anesthesia, and histopathology revealed an ancient schwannoma. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient remained asymptomatic on follow-up.
Conclusion: Ancient schwannoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of submental masses. Histopathology remains critical for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Keywords: Ancient schwannoma, submental mass, salivary gland tumor, peripheral nerve sheath tumor, SUMP, case report