A Case of Transoral Resection of a Hypopharyngeal Schwannoma Using the Continuous Aspiration Syringe Method

Schwannomas of the hypopharynx are rare, and no standard treatment has been established. In this report, we describe a case of a submucosal tumor of the hypopharynx that was diagnosed as a schwannoma based on the findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We undertook treatment by transoral resection using the continuous aspiration syringe method. We report this case with a review of the literature. A 63-year-old woman visited a neighborhood clinic complaining of throat discomfort. She was referred to our hospital for closer examination and treatment of a submucosal tumor in the left piriform recess and motor disturbance of the left vocal cord. MRI showed a tumor measuring 27 mm in greatest diameter in the left hypopharynx, that was visualized as a low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and as a high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. We diagnosed the patient as having a schwannoma and performed transoral resection. We were able to easily dissect the tumor and remove it en bloc using the continuous aspiration syringe method during deep manipulation. The tumor was confirmed as a schwannoma based on postoperative pathological examination. The patient’s throat discomfort and vocal fold movement disorder improved after the surgery. In Japan, the most commonly reported site of origin of pharyngeal schwannomas is the hypopharynx, and in many cases, transoral resection is performed. In the present case, the tumor was 27 mm in greatest diameter, and we were able to remove it en bloc using the continuous aspiration syringe method. Thus, the continuous aspiration syringe method is considered as useful for transoral resection of schwannomas.