Retroperitoneal ancient schwannoma: Review of clinico‐radiological features

Abstract

A case is reported here of an ancient schwannoma in the retroperitoneum. The findings of abdominal ultrasound and CT in a patient with a retroperitoneal ancient schwannoma are presented, and the clinical and radiological features of this unusual tumour are reviewed. The presence of a large, well-delineated complex cystic mass in the deep soft tissues should raise the possibility of an ancient schwannoma. It is important to recognize these tumours as benign with excellent prognosis so as to avoid unnecessary radical surgery.

Mri and Fnac Are Useful Tools in Pre-Operative Diagnosis of Ancient Schwannoma: A Case Report

“…The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of FNA in mesenchymal tumors have been reported at approximately 90%, showing that FNA may be used with precision for preoperative evaluation [7] On MRI, the ancient schwannoma shows well-circumscribed, homogeneous signal intensity and a different enhancement pattern. According to the findings of Isobe and colleagues [8], the circumferences of the degenerated area and fibrous tumour capsule enhanced on MRI are important for discriminating an ancient schwannoma from other tumours [9,10]. Our case showed hypointense fibrous capsules and enhancements.…”

A Giant Guteal Schwannoma with extension into the Pelvis: A case report

“…8 Over the years there have been a number of case reports of large or giant retroperitoneal schwannomas. 2,[9][10][11][12] In most of these reports the diagnosis of retroperitoneal schwannomas was delayed primarily because it is rare to have schwannomas in the retroperitoneal region. 2,8 Foote and his colleagues highlighted the non-specific nature of the early symptoms of retroperitoneal schwannomas and stressed that these symptoms are non-diagnostic.…”

“…[9][10][11] The diagnostic value of CT is reduced by its limited resolution and poor soft tissue definition often failing to reveal sufficiently the stromal heterogeneity typical of schwannomas. [1][2][9][10][11] In one reported case CT findings led to suggestion that a schwannomas could be a large haematoma.…”

“…MRI is the imaging of choice provided the service is available. [9][10][11] In many African countries, MRI is available only in the Teaching Hospitals limiting the management of these cases to the large centres only.…”

Ancient schwannoma of the median nerve-a case report and review of the literature of nerve tumors

“…Ancient schwannoma is commonly located deep in the head and neck regions [4,5],Thorax [6] retro peritoneum [7,8],pelvis [9] and extremities [10,11] of elderly patients. Ackerman and Taylor in 1951 described ancient schwannoma with clear areas of hypo cellular tissues due to the long standing degenerative changes attributed to the growth and "aging" of the tumor hence called ancient schwannoma.…”