Schwannoma of the submandibular gland in neurofibromatosis 1: a case report.

Schwannoma is a well encapsulated benign nerve sheath tumor of neuroectodermal origin with an indolent progression unless associated with malignancy. Schwannomas arise from the Schwann cells as do neurofibromas and are usually solitary except in Von Recklinghausen's disease. The occurrence of a schwannoma in the head and neck region is about 25%; however, submandibular gland schwannoma is a rare form of an extracranial neurogenic tumor arising from peripheral, central, or autonomic nerves.