A Giant Guteal Schwannoma with extension into the Pelvis: A case report

BACKGROUND: Schwannomas are uncommon slow growing tumours arising from the nerve sheath or Schwann cell. OBJECTIVE: To report a case and the surgical removal of a giant complex schwannoma and to highlight the value of extensive investigations including a preoperative histologic diagnosis in the successful surgical management of uncommon large benign tumours. METHODS: A 39-year old man presented with a 15-year history of a large mass in the right gluteal region. He was clinically evaluated, subjected to imaging studies and surgery. RESULTS: Clinical examination revealed a 40cm by 60cm mass in the right gluteal region and continuous with a 25 cm by 15 cm pelvic mass. The ultrasound scan revealed a very complex (mixed solid and fluid containing) gluteal mass with extension to the pelvis. The CT scan showed a very large, well defined lobulated tumour with cystic spaces and enhancing nodules. The tumour extended through the ischiadic foramen into the pelvis and posteriorly into the thigh muscles. A Doppler scan of the pelvic vessels revealed that the right common and internal iliac arteries were both compressed but not occluded. An incisional biopsy was reported as a Schwannoma with xanthomatous changes and an immuno histochemistry profile of S-100+, Ki-67+ (less than 1% of the cells). A right foot drop following the surgery responded to physiotherapy. The duration of total hospital stay was 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: The staged excision of large and complex schwannomas is safe. It is essential that a preoperative histological diagnosis is made to establish that the tumor is truly benign.