Abstract

Lingual schwannomas are rare benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors and are particularly uncommon in pediatric patients, which may delay diagnosis. We report the case of a 14-year-old girl presenting with a long-standing, bilobulated, firm submucosal nodule on the right lateral tongue, with recent accelerated growth and functional impairment. Contrast-enhanced cervicofacial computed tomography revealed a wellcircumscribed lesion measuring 18 × 8 mm, without deep extension or suspicious cervical lymphadenopathy, consistent with localized nodular disease. Complete transoral excision was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed schwannoma, and immunohistochemistry demonstrated diffuse S100 and CD34 positivity, EMA negativity, and preserved nuclear INI1 expression, supporting the diagnosis and excluding perineurioma or epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with no evidence of recurrence at short-term 1-month follow-up. In adolescents presenting with persistent tongue masses, schwannoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Imaging is essential for surgical planning, while definitive diagnosis is histopathological; complete excision is typically curative with excellent functional outcomes.

Keywords

• Schwannoma; Tongue; Pediatric; Immunohistochemistry; S100

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Categories

• Oral Surgery
• Temporomandibular Disorders

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