Nasosinusal schwannoma: Clinical and therapeutic considerations

Based on the observations of a case of nasosinusal schwannoma, main pathogenetic, histologic, clinicodiagnostic and therapeutic aspects are described. The principal head and neck sites are listed with particular reference to the nasosinusal location. Its nonspecific symptoms, predominantly of obstruction and compression are illustrated; the macroscopic appearance and histology of the lesion, the major role of diagnostic imaging in its preoperative evaluation, for correct therapy planning, is described. In conclusion, the validity of radical surgery with paralateronasal rhinotomy as treatment of first choice in extended forms in contact with the ethmoidal plane is stressed, while in the excision of local forms well controlled transnasal route, the role of endoscopy is emphasized.