Oral–maxillofacial and cervical schwannomas: a retrospective cohort analysis with a rare intraosseous case

To evaluate the clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical characteristics of schwannomas (SCHs) in the oral, maxillofacial, and cervical regions to provide a reference for their diagnosis and clinical management. We retrospectively analyzed 20 patients with oral, maxillofacial, and cervical SCHs treated at our institution between January 2019 and December 2025. Clinical history, presenting symptoms, and relevant auxiliary examinations were collected. Histopathological diagnoses were established using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemical analysis. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, surgical approaches, and pathological findings were descriptively analyzed. The tumors originated predominantly from branches of the trigeminal, the lingual, and facial nerves, as well as the cervical plexus. The most common clinical presentation was a painless mass in the oral-maxillofacial region. Some patients presented with tongue sensory disturbances, masticatory dysfunction, or facial muscle weakness, depending on the affected nerve. Histopathological examination revealed typical Antoni A and Antoni B patterns with Verocay bodies, and immunohistochemical findings confirmed the diagnosis of SCH. Surgical approaches were individualized according to tumor location and size. All patients had favorable postoperative outcomes. SCHs of the oral and maxillofacial region and neck exhibit diverse clinical manifestations, definitive diagnosis relies on histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation. Awareness of the tumor’s anatomical origin and associated clinical features facilitates optimal surgical planning and informed clinical decision-making.