Successful Treatment of a Rare Glossopharyngeal Schwannoma: A Case Report

Background: Glossopharyngeal schwannomas are rare tumors, often presenting with symptoms that mimic more common vestibular schwannomas. This case report describes a 64-year-old male with a history of hypertension, who presented with progressive right-sided hypoacusis, signs of increased intracranial pressure, and dizziness over a four-month period. Neurological examination revealed a static cerebellar syndrome and vestibular dysfunction. Imaging, including CT and MRI, identified an extra-axial mass in the right posterior cranial fossa, consistent with a glossopharyngeal schwannoma. Surgical resection was performed using a right-lateralized midline suboccipital approach, leading to complete excision of the tumor. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with no complications such as facial paralysis or swallowing difficulties. This case highlights the importance of recognizing rare glossopharyngeal schwannomas in differential diagnoses and demonstrates successful management through surgical intervention, with favorable outcomes for the patient.