Retroperitoneal Schwannoma Presenting as a Gynecologic Mass: A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Retroperitoneal schwannomas are rare pelvic tumors that arise from Schwann nerve sheath cells. Although primary retroperitoneal schwannomas have been reported in the adrenal glands and gastrointestinal tract, very few reports have described this lesion in association with the female genital tract. Case Report: In this paper, we present a case involving a 59-year-old woman who presented with a 5 × 6 cm retroperitoneal mass in 2006. An initial radiologic evaluation suggested a left ovarian lesion. The patient underwent a laparotomy to resect the retroperitoneal mass. A final pathology revealed primary retroperitoneal schwannoma. The patient developed a partial right femoral neuropathy postoperatively, which improved gradually with observation. Conclusions: Retroperitoneal schwannomas are very rare lesions that are infrequently associated with the gynecologic tract. Although these tumors are primarily benign, experience with pelvic surgery is essential to minimize the risk of intraoperative vascular trauma.