Giant Schwannoma of the Cauda Equina: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Schwannomas arise from the neoplastic transformation of nerve sheath cells and are considered benign tumors. We report here on a 43-year-old patient seen for radiculopathic pain and loss of sphincter control. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine revealed a giant intraspinal mass extending from L1 to L5. The patient underwent laminectomy for excision of the solitary mass and histological findings were consistent with schwannoma. Giant schwannoma of the cauda equina is a rare tumor, with variable manifestations.

Zusammenfassung

Schwannome, die durch neoplastische Umwandlung von Schwann-Zellen entstehen, sind gutartige Tumoren. Wir berichten über den Fall einer 43-jährigen Patientin, die unter radikulären Schmerzen und dem Verlust der Sphinkterkontrolle litt. Die Kernspintomographie der Wirbelsäule zeigte eine riesige intraspinale Läsion von L1 bis L5 reichend. Über eine Laminektomie wurde die Läsion exstirpiert, die histologisch als Schwannom beurteilt wurde. Riesige Schwannome der Cauda equina sind gutartige Tumore mit unterschiedlichen Manifestationen.

Key words

cauda equina - surgery - schwannoma - sphincter control - tumor - magnetic resonance imaging

Schlüsselwörter

Cauda equina - Operation - Schwannom - Sphinkterkontrolle - Tumor - MRT

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