SCHWANNOMAS OF THE NOSE AND PARANASAL SINUSES

Schwannomas are benign neoplasms arising from the peripheral nerve she ath. The sinonasal tract is an unusual location for these neoplasms. B ecause of their rarity, few series have been reported. Five previously unreported cases of schwannomas of the nose and paranasal sinuses are presented that illustrate the spectrum of disease. The clinical prese ntation, diagnostic work-up, clinical course, and diverse therapeutic approaches will be discussed. A management philosophy based on the div ersity of these tumors and their clinical behavior, and incorporating the new diagnostic and therapeutic tools available to the clinician wi ll be presented. The implications of newer diagnostic techniques inclu ding sinonasal endoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and immunochemis try in the diagnosis and treatment of these tumors will be discussed.