TITLE:
Cervicofacial Schwannomas Involving Trigeminal Nerve Branches: A Case Series of Three Patients
AUTHORS:
Ababacar Diegane Faye, Romaric Pognonou Beheton, Abibou Ndiaye, Bredel Djeri Djor Mabika, Emile Malick Lette, Boubacar Dieng, Ndiasse Ndiaye
KEYWORDS:
Schwannoma, Trigeminal Nerve Branches, Case Report, Cervicofacial Region
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Stomatology,
Vol.16 No.5,
May
9,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Schwannomas are rare benign tumors arising from Schwann cells of the peripheral nerve sheath. Although commonly found in the head and neck region, involvement of trigeminal nerve branches remains uncommon. This study aims to describe the clinical, radiological, therapeutic, and evolutionary features of cervicofacial schwannomas arising from trigeminal nerve branches. Case Presentation: We report a series of three patients aged 12, 27, and 38 years presenting with slow-growing, painless cervicofacial masses. The lesions involved the inferior alveolar nerve in one case and the infraorbital nerve in two cases. Imaging studies, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), revealed well-circumscribed masses, sometimes associated with bone erosion. Surgical excision was performed in all cases. Histopathological examination confirmed schwannoma in two patients, while the third case was considered a presumptive schwannoma based on clinical, radiological, and intraoperative findings. Postoperative outcomes were favorable, with no recurrence observed during a minimum follow-up period of six months. Discussion: Diagnosis was based on a combination of clinical, radiological, and intraoperative findings, with histopathological confirmation in two cases. Identification of the nerve of origin remained challenging in some cases. Surgical excision resulted in favorable short-term outcomes, with no recurrence observed during follow-up. Conclusion: Schwannomas of trigeminal nerve branches are rare tumors with variable clinical presentation. Diagnosis relies on histopathology, and surgical excision remains the treatment of choice, with generally favorable outcomes.