Giant schwannoma masquerading as other soft tissue tumors: A series of three cases

Abstract

Schwannoma is a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor. It commonly occurs in head and neck region, upper extremities and dorsolumbar spine. The giant schwannoma as such is a rare occurring tumor. We present a series of three cases of giant schwannoma in unusual locations, masquerading as other soft tissue tumors.: Case 1: A 40-year-old male presented with a large exophytic ulcerated growth on his left thigh. The lesion was deep dermal in location. It was well circumscribed, partially encapsulated with extensive areas of hemorrhage and cystic change. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed the diagnosis of Benign Schwannoma with ancient changes. A 30-year-old woman presented with mid back ache and a mass in paravertebral location at T8 to T10 levels from last 2 years. The lesion was dermal in location. It was well circumscribed, partially encapsulated with extensive areas of hemorrhage and cystic change. Histopathology and IHC confirmed the diagnosis of Schwannoma with ancient changes. A 24-year-old male, presented with a 6x6 cm lesion over the scalp. It was well circumscribed, partially encapsulated with solid and cystic areas. Histologically, it turned out to be a Schwannoma. Giant schwannoma is a rare tumor which occasionally presents at unusual locations and poses a diagnostic challenge to both, the operating surgeon and the pathologist. These lesions clinically may mimic dermatofibroma, dermatofibrosarcoma and even trichilemmal tumors. These cases are being presented for their unusual presentation.