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CO₂ Laser for the Treatment of Auricle Schwannoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Domenico Testa, Michele Nunziata, Gelsomina Mansueto, Giuseppina Marcuccio, Gaetano Motta

(Department of Anesthesiology, Surgery and Emergency Science, Head and Neck Unit, University of Campania “L Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy)

Am J Case Rep 2019; 20:988-992

DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.916714

BACKGROUND: Schwannoma, also called neuroma or neurolemmoma, is a tumor originating from the Schwann cells surrounding the nerves. It is an isolated benign tumor and its transformation into malignant cancer is very rare. Relatively uncommon, it is only the 5% of all the tumors of soft tissues. Its localization in the head and neck region accounts for up to 25-45% of schwannomas. In the outer ear, it commonly involves the external auditory canal, while auricle and tympanic membranes are very rare localizations of schwannomas.
CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 23-year-old male with a 3-year medical history of a growing neoplasm located in the left auricle concha, which was treated with a carbon dioxide laser (CO₂ laser) under local anesthesia.
CONCLUSIONS: Using a CO₂ laser allowed us to easily remove the tumor, reduce bleeding and surgical time, and avoid sutures and thus unsightly scars on the face. No complications and no relapse at 5 years of follow-up occurred.

Keywords: Ear Neoplasms, Lasers, Gas, Neurilemmoma

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