PLEXIFORM SCHWANNOMA OF THE LOWER LIP, TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT AND A REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Abstract

Subha Dhua1, D. R. Sekhar2

AIMS: To treat and manage a swelling on the lower lip which was insidious in onset and as gradually progressive on a 18 year old female. This has been a rare case and could be the first one in India as it was located on the lower lip with very few cases reported in the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: An 18 year old female was referred to our Out Patients Department (OPD). The patient was apparently normal 10 years back when she developed a swelling of the lower lip which was insidious in on-set gradually progressive. Initially, it was of the size of 1x1 cm and gradually increased to 3x3cms. OBSERVATION: It was noted that in the Antoni A area typical verocay bodies composed of palisading nuclei and surrounding spaces filled with eosinophilic filaments. No necrosis was noted and there were no atypical mitotic figures. In the Antoni B region a closely textured matrix with areas of edema, myxomatous changes cystic degeneration and dilated vessels were noted, Fig. 4a, b & c. On the basis of these histopathologic findings a diagnosis of Plexiform Schwannoma was inferred. On the basis of histopathologic findings and immunohistochemical profiles, a diagnosis of Plexiform Schwannoma was confirmed.

CONCLUSION: The excised mass revealed benign microscopic features and confirmed complete removal. Malignant transformation of a benign Plexiform Schwannoma which has been controversial by some authors was not considered. Surgical removal of the mass is considered to be the best course of treatment.

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