Schwannoma of L3

The authors report a case of large retroperitoneal schwannoma with osteolysis of the pedicle of L3, submitted to complete excision by partial vertebrectomy of L3 with a combined approach. Schwannoma is a hamartoma constituted by Schwann's cells, that causes non-specific clinical manifestations. Image diagnosis provides information as to the relationships that the neoformation contracts with the surrounding structures, but a definitive diagnosis is exclusively anatomopathologic. Retroperitoneal localization is rather rare (0.5-5% of cases). Treatment is represented by surgical excision. Because it is a benign, slow-growing neoplasm, when dealing with cases that are difficult to treat surgically or when complete excision means disabling neurovascular lesions, we may opt for the incomplete removal of the mass, as long as the case is carefully monitored over time.