Spectrum of schwannomas: No longer a rare entity

Author(s): Dr. Arun Kumar Ramanathan, Dr. Arvind Kumar K, Dr. V Dhivaakar and Dr. R Selvaraj

Abstract: Schwannoma is a benign nerve sheath tumour arising from the Schwann cells. Schwannomas are usually solitary in nature. They mimic some of the aggressive and malignant tumours. This study aims to shed some light in the preoperative work-up towards the diagnosis, histopathological highlights, management and the outcomes. This study includes 8 patients over a specific time period with the mean age of 55 years. Although high resolution ultrasound (USG) is beneficial, the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is considered the most helpful in the diagnosis that brings out the anatomical relationships and the origin of the tumour. The histopathology of the excised specimens showed the typical characteristics of schwannoma in 6 patients while the remaining 2 patients were diagnosed as ancient schwannoma. Enucleating excision of the tumour from the involved nerve is the preferred treatment option especially under magnification using microsurgical technique. One should be aware of the varied presentation of this pathology depending on the nerve involved and its anatomical location. It is imperative to consider this pathology in the differential diagnosis to avoid any unnecessary and extensive surgical clearance of tumourous swellings.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/ortho.2020.v6.i3k.2275