Schwannoma of the Pinna

Abstract

Schwannoma is a slow-growing benign tumor that originates from the nerve sheath consisting of the Schwann cells. It is an encapsulated nerve sheath tumor of neuroectodermal origin. This is an encapsulated and well-circumscribed lesion composed of different cellular patterns. Schwannoma usually originates from the superior vestibular nerve in the internal auditory canal. These tumors are rarely found in the external ear. Schwannoma is an extremely rare tumor on the pinna. The most common clinical presentation of the schwannoma on the pinna is painless progressive swelling. The diagnosis of schwannoma is confirmed by histopathological study and immunohistochemistry. Here, we report a case of schwannoma that was found on the external ear which is very uncommon in routine clinical practice.