Schwannoma of the appendix: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Appendiceal neoplasms are uncommon and found in 1.6 per cent of appendicectomy specimens. Schwannomas arising from the appendix are of significant rarity, with only a few previously-reported cases. In this study, we present the case of a 31-year-old man who underwent a laparoscopic appendicectomy and was found to have an appendiceal schwannoma. In the present study, we review the literature of this rare condition, which serves to highlight the potential for appendiceal neoplasia to occur in a macroscopically-normal appendix. Furthermore, it emphasizes the potential risk of missed appendiceal neoplasia as a sequelae of nonoperative management of suspected appendicitis.

Appendiceal schwannoma presenting as acute appendicitis

“…However, the incidence of accidental discovery of schwannomas of the large intestine has increased with the development of endoscopic examination techniques [5] . Nonetheless, appendiceal schwannomas are extremely rare, with only a few cases reported [ 2 , 5 , 6 ].…”

Ruptured Giant Leiomyoma of the Appendix: A Case Report

“…S100 and SMA are typically negative. Schwannomas of the appendix are very rare, with only a handful of cases reported in the literature [11]. Microscopic appearances are of interlaced spindle cells and with features of nuclear palisading, hylanised vessels and Verocay bodies.…”

Appendicular schwannoma presenting as vague abdominal pain

“…They arise less frequently in the gastrointestinal tract (mainly the stomach and small intestine) and comprise ~1% of all malignant gastrointestinal tumours [ 1 ]. A few reports have described a case of appendicular schwannoma [ 2 – 6 ], with some patients presenting clinical symptoms and signs typical of acute appendicitis [ 4 , 5 ]. This report describes the case of a patient who had an unusual clinical course, including an unusually long symptom duration and vague right iliac fossa pain.…”