A Rare Case of Plexiform Schwannoma of the Little Finger and Its Management: A Case Report

Abstract

Schwannomas are tumors of the Schwann cells found in the myelin sheath. They cause 5% of all benign softtissue cancers, occur equally in males and females, and occur later in life. Since they remain asymptomatic, diagnosing and treating them becomes challenging; current guidelines recommend imaging followed by excision. Here, we present a case of a 19-year-old male who presents in an outpatient setting with a history of painless swelling of the fifth digit for the past four years. Past medical history and physicals are unremarkable. Microscopic findings from fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) confirmed the schwannoma diagnosis, showing loosely arranged spindle cells with elongated nuclei with pointed ends dispersed within the myxoid stroma.

Plexiform schwannoma: A rare histological entity at a rare site

“…3,5 About 8-15% of patients with NF-1 progress to malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) during their lifetime. 11 4. Source of Funding None.…”

A Rare Presentation of Plexiform Schwannoma of the Thumb

“… 3 The other locations where these tumors have been observed include the little finger and, intraosseously and most commonly, the mandible, with no associated peripheral nerves. 4 , 5 Some other unusual cases have also been associated with patients exhibiting macrodactyly and trigger finger. 6 , 7 To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a plexiform schwannoma occurring in a thumb.…”