Two unusual cases of tongue schwannoma with self-injurious factors: case reports and systemic literature review

Diagn Pathol. 2025 Oct 23;20(1):121. doi: 10.1186/s13000-025-01688-1.

Abstract

We present two cases of tongue schwannoma in two young males. The unusual, exogenetic clinical manifestation might be a big challenge for most dentists in making a correct diagnosis. The two patients had no special genetic or environmental background. Both patients denied cigarette smoking or alcohol abuse. Physical examination of the cervical lymph nodes yielded negative results. Their astonishing medical histories revealed that both had self-injurious practices using sharp instruments. The diagnosis of tongue schwannoma was confirmed by histopathology, revealing typical Antoni type A and B areas, and reactivity with S-100 by immunohistochemistry. The lesions were excised transorally under local anesthesia with no signs of recurrence for more than two years.

Keywords: Neurilemmoma; Schwannoma; Self-injurious; Tongue.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Neurilemmoma* / chemistry
  • Neurilemmoma* / pathology
  • Neurilemmoma* / surgery
  • Self-Injurious Behavior* / complications
  • Tongue Neoplasms* / chemistry
  • Tongue Neoplasms* / etiology
  • Tongue Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Tongue Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Young Adult