Solitary fibrous tumor originating within the hypoglossal canal

We report a case of a solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) originating within the hypoglossal canal in a 55-year-old woman, who presented with right hypoglossal nerve palsy. Contrast-enhanced brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an enhanced mass on the right side of the premedullary space occupying the right hypoglossal canal, resulting in expansion of the canal and brainstem compression. Schwannoma or meningioma was suspected at first, and we performed resection of the tumor through right suboccipital craniotomy. Histopathological examination demonstrated spindle-shaped tumor cells proliferating among collagen bundles. Tumor cells showed positive reaction for anti-CD34 and nuclear expression of anti-STAT6 with immunohistochemical staining. Based on these findings, the lesion was diagnosed as an SFT. An SFT is an uncommon neoplasm typically arising in the pleural cavity; however, some cases have been reported within the central nervous system. Therefore, an SFT should be considered among the differential diagnoses for central nervous system tumors.