Giant schwannoma of the left maxillary sinus - a rare case report

BACKGROUND. Polyps, cysts and mucocele are the commonest sinonasal tumors present unilaterally, as well as invasive tumors, such as inverted papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas. On the contrary, Schwannomas are rare lesions found in this area. MATERIAL AND METHODS. We present a case of a 48-year-old female who presented with a 2-year progressive history of left nasal obstruction, cranio-facial fullness sensation and pain, with intermittent epistaxis. The CT scan of the nose and paranasal sinuses showed complete opacification of the entire left nasal cavity and maxillary sinus, causing a deviated nasal septum to the right side. RESULTS. The tumor was completely excised endoscopically without any complication. Histopathology was consistent with that of a schwannoma. CONCLUSION. The diagnosis of sinonasal Schwannomas remains challenging, as it is a rare tumor and sometimes its clinical behaviour and imaging may be misleading. The treatment of choice for paranasal sinus schwannoma is complete excision of the tumor with good prognosis.