Unusual Presentation of Schwannoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Schwannoma is a benign encapsulated tumor of the nerve sheath. Amongst other sites, it develops in the posterior mediastinum in the costovertebral sulcus. We herein present a case of a 68-year-old woman with an incidental finding of a subcarinal mass. Radiological and histopathological studies were suggestive of schwannoma. Therefore, the mass was completely resected through a right thoracotomy, and a definite histopathological diagnosis was established. Although the subcarinal area is a rare site for this tumor to appear, the schwannoma should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of lesions in the subcarinal region. Treatment of choice is the nerve-sparing surgical excision of the mass with excellent prognosis. A review of the literature on this topic was performed.

Keywords

• Neurogenic tumor
• Schwannoma
• Mediastinal tumor