Submandibular approach for excision of a large schwannoma in the base of the tongue

A 24-year-old Turkish woman is described, who gradually developed progressi ve swallowing problems over 6 months due to a tumor in the base of the tong ue. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large well-circumscribed solid mass . Histopathological examination of an incisional biopsy showed a schwannoma . The tumor was completely removed through a submandibular approach. The po stoperative course was uneventful and her complaints disappeared. The subma ndibular approach used gave an excellent exposure of the base of tongue wit h a less obvious scar than a lip-splitting incision.