Frontal Epidural Schwannoma: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Abstract Background：Schwannomas that occur in the brain and spinal cord parenchyma are very rare. Here, we have identified a rare case of epidural schwannoma and reviewed the reported cases in the literature. Case presentation：A 21-year-old woman has a slowly growing, 3-centimeter sized mass in the frontal area of her head. Radiography shows a space occupying lesion in the left frontal epidural space, and the tumor has penetrated the skull. We performed a complete surgical excision of the tumor, during which the tumor was seen to pass through the skull and tightly adhere to the outer layer of the dura mater. Postoperative histopathology confirmed a schwannoma. The patient was discharged without any neurological defects. Conclusion: Although it is difficult to distinguish the nature of intracranial epidural space occupying lesions pre-operation, it broadens the scope of epidural diseases. It is important to include epidural schwannoma in differential diagnosis when the patient is young and/or the tumor lacks the dural tail sign.