Extracranial Trigeminal Schwannomas: A Retrospective Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the clinic-radiological features and treatment outcome of extracranial trigeminal schwannomas.

METHOD: Medical records and radiographs of patients treated, from January 2011 to December 2013, for neurogenic tumors were retrospectively reviewed. Extracranial schwannomas other than those of trigeminal nerve were also excluded. A number of parameters, including the patient's age, gender, site, clinical features, radiographic features, histologic variants and treatment provided as well as any associated complications were recorded and analysed.

RESULT: A total of 5 patients met the inclusion criteria. The patients were males, aged 16-56 years. All the schwannomas appear to originate from the terminal branches of trigeminal nerve.

CONCLUSION: Long standing asymptomatic swelling of cheek should include trigeminal schwannomas as the differential diagnosis. The diagnosis though confirmed by the histologic examination but can also be made on the basis of MRI finding. Neural function can be preserved by meticulous surgery.