Axillary schwannoma mimicking lymphadenopathy: Two different case reports

Abstract

Schwannomas are essentially benign tumors originating from schwann cells of peripheral, cranial or sympathetic nerves. They are not aggressive, encapsulated and grow slowly. Malignant transformation can rarely be seen. Even though they can be localized in any where in the body, cutaneous nerves of the head-neck region and flexor parts of the extremities are most commonly involved. Schwannomas are usually solitary, however multiple schwannomas can rarely be seen in the peripheral nervous system including cranial nerves, spinal nerve roots, brachial-lumbosacral plexus and peripheral nerves. In these two cases, we aimed to report ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pathology findings of different axillary schwannomas mimicking lymphadenopathy, and discuss the differential diagnosisin the light of the literature. In these patients, the lesions were noted to be in direct continuity with a cord-like structure resembling a nerve. US and MRI findings were compatible with the literature. Radiologic findings were confirmed by pathologic examination. As seen in our cases, a detailed differential diagnosis should be considered in every axillary lesion including frequently seen axillary lymphadenopathies. © 2012 by Türkiye Klinikleri.