An unusual case of vulvar schwannoma

Abstract

Schwannoma is a benign, solitary, slow-growing neoplasm of the peripheral nerve sheath. These tumors are rarely found in the external genital system, and only a few cases of vulvar schwannoma have been reported. Herein, we report a case of a vulvar schwannoma. A 37-year-old woman presented with a 3-cm-sized painless mass of the vulva which had been present for 3 years. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis showed an isolated finding of a 4.6-cm-sized round mass with a well-defined margin in the midline vulvar area. Simple excision of the tumor was undertaken, and histological examination with immunohistochemical testing demonstrated a vulvar schwannoma. Although benign schwannoma only rarely occurs in the vulva and other external areas of female genitalias, we suggest that it should be considered a differential diagnosis for patients that present a vulvar enlargement or mass. Simple surgical resection and follow-up is the most convenient treatment.

Vulvar Schwannoma: A Case Report in an Elderly Patient

“…They are rarely found in the vulvar area or other female genital organs; therefore, few such cases have been reported in the literature. Descriptions of vulvar schwannomas in elderly women such as the patient in the present report are even rarer, since these tumors are generally diagnosed in young patients of 20 to 40 years of age, as reported by Park et al and other investigators [1][2][3][4].…”

“…When the tumor is in the vulvar region, diagnosis based only on clinical characteristics is difficult due to the broad range of possible differential diagnoses such as Bartholin's gland cyst, lipomas, liposarcomas, cysts of the labia minora/majora, mesenchymal tumors, fibrosarcoma, fibroids, angiosarcoma and epidermoid cysts [3]. Ultrasonography can be used to differentiate cystic tumors from solid tumors and to assess whether the tumor is benign or malignant.…”

“…Ultrasonography can be used to differentiate cystic tumors from solid tumors and to assess whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Nonetheless, the definitive diagnosis is obtained following histopathology and immunohistochemical determination after complete surgical excision of the lesion [3].…”

“…Schwannomas generally present as a single, benign, nodular tumor of the peripheral nervous system that originates in the Schwann cells. These lesions are rarely situated in the female genital organs, and reports of such cases in the literature are rare [1][2][3]. The most common sites of presentation are the head and neck, the flexor surfaces of the limbs and the posterior mediastinum.…”

“…Irrespective of their location, less than 1% of schwannomas will become malignant. When this type of lesion presents in the vulva, the age group most usually affected is women of 20 to 40 years of age [1][2][3][4].…”