Publication:

Seven years surveillance of an incidental schwannoma

Schwannomas are rare benign neoplasms, arising from Schwann cells of the peripheral nerve sheath. Retroperitoneal location is very rare accounting for less than 3% of cases. Schwannomas are usually asymptomatic and incidentally found. A rare case of a retroperitoneal schwannoma incidentally found, in 73 years-old women is herein. The tumour was found on a routine CT-scan and the patient was asymptomatic. CT-guided biopsy was compatible with a benign schwannoma. Since the patient was elderly and had no symptoms, surveillance was decided by oncological multidisciplinary group. At present, the patient has a 7 year follow up period, remains asymptomatic and the tumour dimensions are stable. Since schwannomas are benign tumours, when asymptomatic and grow slowly, watchful waiting approach may be an option, avoiding major high morbidity procedure.