Retroperitoneal schwannoma

Abstract

Schwannomas are rare tumors that arise from the Schwann sheath of nerves. They are commonly seen in the head and neck region and in both extremities. However, retroperitoneal schwannomas are a rare entity. We report a case of a 35-year-old female presenting with a lump in the right lumbar region. She had loss of sensations over the L3-L4 dermatomes. Computerized tomography of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a mass of size 7.1 cm 7.1 cm 8.3 cm posterior to the right psoas muscle extending superiorly to the lower pole of the right kidney with its anterior displacement. There was narrowing of the right L3-L4 neural foramina. The mass was completely excised. It was diagnosed as benign schwannoma on histopathology examination. Post-operatively, the patient had shown recovery. In a 1-year follow-up post resection, the patient has not shown any evidence of recurrence. Most of the schwannomas are benign and hence follow-up is necessary to detect and prevent recurrence.