An olfactory Schwannoma mimicking esthesioneuroblastoma: A case report

Schwannoma is a benign, slow-growing sheath tumor that arises in peripheral nerves. Tumors involving olfactory bulbs and tracts are extremely rare, and only a limited number of cases have been reported. Our case was a 30-year-old man presenting with a one-year history of anosmia and no other remarkable history or finding in the physical examination. Brain imaging revealed a somewhat ill-defined soft tissue mass lesion with expansion, sever thinning, and impression on the cribriform plate with extension to the right frontal sinus. Based on the clinical and imaging findings, our initial diagnosis was esthesioneuroblastoma, and the patient was a candidate for craniotomy. Pathologic microscopic examination showed a spindle tumor with a nodular whorled pattern consistent with Schwannoma. The patient was discharged with no remarkable event during the hospital stay. The only finding in the 3-month follow up visit was anosmia, and the postoperative CT scan showed no remnant of the tumor.