Hypopharyngeal Schwannoma: A Ghanaian Case Report

Abstract

This article seeks to highlight the need for a high index of suspicion for a hypopharyngeal tumour especially schwannoma in patients presenting with the feeling of a mass in the throat. Schwannoma is a benign schwann cell encapsulated tumour with no genetic predilection. They are rarely found in the hypopharynx and when present may not cause any significant symptoms until they enlarge and cause dysphagia and upper airway obstruction because of laryngeal obstruction. Schwannomas are differentiated from other soft tissue tumours like neurofibromas by the presence of Antoni A and B on histology and strong positivity for S100 protein with no or minimal mitotic activity. These tumours are mainly managed by surgical excision either transorally or via lateral pharyngotomy.
We present the case of 28 -year-old man who presented to our facility with the feeling of a mass in the throat of 2 months duration. After flexible nasolaryngoscopy and CT scan of the neck, a hypopharyngeal tumour with a sessile base was found. The tumour was excised endoscopically after elective tracheostomy to secure the airway. Patient’s recovery was uneventful and has remained
asymptomatic one-year post excision of the tumour.