Benign solitary schwannomas (neurilemomas)

Abstract

Three hundred and three patients with benign solitary neurilemomas, or schwannomas, not associated with the classical type of von Recklinghausen's disease were studied. One hundred and seventy‐two were women and 131 were men. Forty‐five percent of the tumors were seen in the extremities, and no specific area could be related to the development of these tumors. Approximately 9% of the tumors occurred in the soft tissues of the trunk and 14% in various unusual sites. Most patients were seen initially because of a painless mass; only 10 complained of pain radiating along the course of a peripheral nerve. One documented case of a malignant degeneration in a benign schwannoma has been reported. The treatment of a benign solitary neurilemoma is enucleation. Excision of a segment of a major peripheral nerve is contraindicated. The histologic features of benign peripheral nerve tumors were briefly described. The confusion regarding terminology has been discussed, and it is suggested that the term schwannoma be more frequently used. The lack of neurologic deficit in schwannomas arising in major peripheral nerves has been pointed out, and further studies have been suggested. The high association of malignant tumors in these patients has been discussed, and it is proposed that a further study be undertaken to ascertain whether these patients are more prone to develop unrelated cancers.

Schwannoma in Masquerade

“…In a series of 303 cases reported by Das Gupta [10] and his associates only 16 cases where found to be in buccal mucosa and lip. In a study of 41 tumors Oberman [11] and Sulliger reported that 25% were located inside the mouth.…”

Solitary gastric melanotic schwannoma: Sonographic findings

“…Malignant melanoma grows rapidly and has a poor prognosis, requiring adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical resection. 9 Das Gupta et al 10 reported 303 cases of solitary schwannoma, 19 of which had other malignancies and an increased risk of cancer. Because melanotic schwannoma has properties of schwannoma, malignancies in other areas must be considered.…”

Schwannoma of the Cervical Vagus Nerve in a Child: A Case Report

“…The commonest cause was sebaceous cysts (34%), followed by thyroglossal cysts (13%), branchial remnants (9%) and dermoid 9% [10]. Approximately 10% of schwannoma are diagnosed in patients less than 21 years of age [2,3,9]. It is more commonly seen in adults.…”