Pancreatic schwannoma: Report of a case and review of literature

Abstract

Connective tissue tumors of pancreas are uncommon, among them pancreatic schwannoma is very rare tumor, very few cases were reported in literature. Aggressive resections like whipple's procedure, or distal pancreatectomy are not necessary for pancreatic schwannoma as it rarely goes to malignant change and simple enuclation is sufficient.In our patient pancreatic schwannoma is associated with simple cyst in liver and absence of one kidney. Here, we are presenting a case of pancreatic schwannoma treated by simple enucleation.

Pancreatic schwannoma: A rare case and a brief literature review

“…Pancreatic schwannoma also known as neurilemoma or neuroma is a slowly growing, encapsulated, mostly benign tumor with smooth well-delineated margins that originates from myelin producing schwann cells located on the nerve sheath of the peripheral epineurium of either the sympathetic or parasympathetic autonomic fibers [13] , [14] . In 1910, it was firstly named ‘neuroma’ by Verocay [1] and then Stout [2] changed its name ‘neurilemmo’ and finally it was demonstrated that schwann cells proliferated in tumor in electron microscopy.…”

Pancreatic Tail Schwannoma in a 44-Year-Old Male: A Case Report and Literature Review

“…Pancreatic schwannomas commonly affect adults (range: 20–87 years; mean age of diagnosis is roughly 56 years) [ 1 ]. In addition, males and females are relatively equally affected [ 1 , 6 – 8 , 10 , 11 ].…”

“…Laboratory investigations are not usually useful in the diagnosis of pancreatic schwannomas [ 3 , 8 ]. Hematological, hepatic, and renal profiles; serum amylase, and tumor markers including cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) usually lie within normal values [ 2 , 3 , 8 ].…”

“…Diagnosing pancreatic schwannoma is challenging as it is frequently confused with other cystic lesions [ 3 , 10 , 13 ]. Diagnosing these tumors prior to operation is tremendously difficult [ 3 , 8 , 13 ]. Preoperative definitive diagnosis is not possible even with recent imaging techniques and laboratory tests.…”

Pancreatic Schwannoma: Case Report

“…Schwann cells form the insulating myelin sheats, and also maintain the health of the peripheral axons they surround (Mummadi, (Kinhal et al, 2010). Pancreatic schwannomas are quite rare.…”