Giant dumbbell tumor of the posterior mediastinum

Abstract

Background. Giant dumbbell-shaped tumors are very rare and characterized by intra- and extraspinal propagation of different dimensions. In thoracal localization, invasive growth can lead up to rib and vertebra erosion. Case report. We presented a 54-year-old woman with a giant dumbbell schwannoma in the posterior mediastinum. The tumor was removed by the posterior approach with hemilaminectomy and costotransversectomy. By microscopic examination the diagnosis of benign schwannoma was made. A year after the surgery, the patient was without neurological deficiency and without radiological signs of illness relapse. Conclusion. Treatment of dumbbell schwannoma is surgical, dilemmas of the optimal surgical approach. When it is thoracally located the posterior approach with hemilaminectomy and costotransversectomy is safe and effective for its removal.

Keywords

• neurilemmoma
• mediastinal neoplasms
• spine
• diagnosis
• immunohistochemistry
• neurosurgical procedures