Schwannoma of the submandibular gland in neurofibromatosis 1: a case report

Schwannoma is a well encapsulated benign nerve sheath tumor of neuroectodermal origin with an indolent progression unless associated with malignancy. Schwannomas arise from the Schwann cells as do neurofibromas and are usually solitary except in Von Recklinghausen's disease. The occurrence of a schwannoma in the head and neck region is about 25%; however, submandibular gland schwannoma is a rare form of an extracranial neurogenic tumor arising from peripheral, central, or autonomic nerves. We report a rare case of a submandibular schwannoma in a patient with neurofibromatosis 1 which presented as a painless swelling in the submandibular region, treated by total excision of the submandibular gland. There was no postoperative deficit or recurrence within 3 months of follow-up. Our findings in this case suggest schwannoma of the salivary gland as a differential diagnosis of swelling in the submandibular area although rare, especially in a patient with neurofibromatosis 1.