Published online Aug 26, 2021. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i24.7212
Peer-review started: March 6, 2021
First decision: May 24, 2021
Revised: June 2, 2021
Accepted: July 16, 2021
Article in press: July 16, 2021
Published online: August 26, 2021
Processing time: 170 Days and 7.6 Hours
Neurogenic tumors account for about ten percent of all tumors of childhood, and benign tumor originating from Schwann cells is rare in peripheral nerves. Schwannoma of the tongue is quite rare in children.
We present the case of an 8-year-old male with schwannoma in the anterolateral tongue. The mass was slow-growing for one year with no pain and discomfort. He underwent transoral mass excision under general anesthesia. Gross examination revealed a smooth surfaced, 17 mm × 14 mm × 7 mm sized, encapsulated nodule with a clear resection margin. Schwannoma of the tongue was confirmed by the pathological exam. He reported no motor or sensory change, such as dysgeusia or paresthesia, or phonation difficulty during postoperative 12 mo follow-up.
Schwannoma of the tongue is a rare benign neoplasm in childhood. If a painless firm mass is encountered in the tongue of a child, solid tumors like schwannoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Core Tip: Schwannoma of the tongue is a rare benign neoplasm in childhood. If a painless firm mass is encountered in the tongue of a child, solid tumors like schwannoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Based on the suspicion of schwannoma, meticulous surgical excision is necessary in terms of functional preservation and preventing recurrence.