Background: Melanotic or melanocytic schwannoma is a rare variant of a schwannoma. It is composed of melanin-producing cells with the ultra-structural features of Schwann cells along with the cytoplasmic deposition of melanin. The occurrence of a melanotic schwannoma is particularly rare in the foot. Regardless of anatomic location, they are considered to be benign soft tissue masses. Case description:A 78 year old Caucasian female presented to a physician's office with complaints of onchyomycosis. Incidentally, it was noted that the patient had large a mass on the plantar aspect of her right foot. She denied any complaints regarding the mass. The mass had been present for approximately one year and was slowly increasing in size. An MRI revealed a heterogeneous macrolobulated mass measuring 3.0 × 8.3 × 5.3 cm and could not rule out malignancy. A surgical biopsy was then performed. Conclusion:Melanotic schwannomas have the ability to mirror malignancy, both on physical exam and on advanced imaging modalities. A biopsy procedure provides a definitive diagnosis and contributes to the definitive treatment plan.

This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.