Schwannoma of the nasal columella: a rare presentation and surgical management through open rhinoplasty

María Y. O. Suárez; Josué L. M. Jiménez; Omar B. Arizmendi; Benjamin G. Enriquez; Marlon E. S. Forer

doi:10.18203/issn.2454-5929.ijohns20253809

Authors

María Y. O. Suárez Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Centro Medico ISSEMyM “Lic. Arturo Montiel Rojas”, Metepec, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
Josué L. M. Jiménez Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Centro Medico ISSEMyM “Lic. Arturo Montiel Rojas”, Metepec, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
Omar B. Arizmendi Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Centro Medico ISSEMyM “Lic. Arturo Montiel Rojas”, Metepec, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
Benjamin G. Enriquez Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Centro Medico ISSEMyM “Lic. Arturo Montiel Rojas”, Metepec, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
Marlon E. S. Forer Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Centro Medico ISSEMyM “Lic. Arturo Montiel Rojas”, Metepec, Estado de Mexico, Mexico

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-5929.ijohns20253809

Keywords:

Schwannoma, Nasal columella, Open rhinoplasty, Sinonasal tumor, Nasal obstruction, Immunohistochemistry

Abstract

Schwannomas are rare benign tumors arising from Schwann cells, with infrequent occurrence in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Even more uncommon is their presence in the nasal columella, where only a few cases have been reported. We report the case of a 64-year-old female presenting with a slow- growing, firm, non-tender mass in the left nasal vestibule, arising from the membranous septum. The lesion measured 1.5×1.2 cm, causing partial nasal obstruction. The patient had a complex oncological history, including treated breast cancer and suspected CNS metastases. Computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed a well-defined hypodense mass at area I of Cottle. Complete surgical excision was performed via open rhinoplasty, allowing optimal access and aesthetic preservation. Histopathology revealed Verocay bodies in Antoni A pattern. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for S-100 and vimentin, confirming the diagnosis of schwannoma. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. This case highlights a rare location of sinonasal schwannoma and supports open rhinoplasty as an effective approach for diagnosis and treatment, providing both functional and cosmetic benefits.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

Kim TH, Shin JH, Kwak E. A case of a schwannoma in the nasal columella. SAGE Open Med Case Rep. 2019;7:1-4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2050313X18823091

Bouayyad S, Ong JH, Ellis MP, Sloan P. An unusual finding of schwannoma in the columellar area-A case report. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2018;46:16-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijscr.2018.01.024

Gupta M, Rao N, Kour C, Kaur I. Septal Schwannoma of the Nose: A Rare Case. Turk Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2017;55(1):41-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5152/tao.2017.1929

Freeman E, Hecht L, Crum J, Lutz M. Anterior Nasal Schwannoma: A Rare Sinonasal Neoplasm. Cureus. 2023;15(7):e41300. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.41300

Roy R, Patel B, Gahlot GPS. An Extensive Unilateral Nasal Mass: Septal Schwannoma-Case Report. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2022;74:1540-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-021-02635-4

Brahmbhatt P, Kumar T, Bhatt AA, Vibhute P, Patel V, Desai A, et al. Sinonasal Schwannomas: Imaging Findings and Review of Literature. Ear Nose Throat J. 2025;104(10):645-50. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/01455613221150573

Venkatasamy R, Mohan Singh AS, Arasu K, Husain S, Mianxin C. Nasal Septal Ancient Schwannoma: Ancient and Rare. Cureus. 2023;15(8):e44294. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.44294

Galzignato PF, Chirumbolo S, Cestaro W, Scapinello A, Bertossi D, Nocini R. Surgical and histological evidence of case reports showing Schwannomas in the nasal area. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2022;94:107165. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.107165

Singh A, Haq M, Gautam P, Gautam D, Handa AC, Handa KK. The Varied Presentations of Sinonasal Region Schwannomas: Apropos of Four Cases. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2022;74:766-72. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-020-01813-0

Hachicha A, Chouchane H, Turki S. Schwannoma of the nasal cavity: A case report and review of the literature. SAGE Open Med Case Rep. 2024;12:2050313X241272687. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2050313X241272687

Lee CW, Grammatopoulou V, Bagwan I, Sunkaraneni V. Schwannoma of the sinonasal tract: case report with review of the literature. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2021;103(7):e216-e222. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1308/rcsann.2020.7104