Multiple schwannomas of the foot. Case report and strategy for treatment

Determining the appropriate treatment of a benign tumor of a peripheral nerve in the foot and ankle region presents a clinical dilemma, as resection of the tumor will cause loss of nerve function and create the possibility of a painful neuroma. Several surgical solutions to this problem were used in the care of a patient who presented with painful bilateral Morton's neuromas and was found to have bilateral schwannomas on pathologic examination of the resected nerves. Subsequent evaluation for recurrent bilateral foot pain demonstrated multiple tumors along the tibial nerve in one foot. The patient also became aware of a painful mass on the dorsolateral aspect of one foot. Review of the treatment options for this patient with multiple schwannomas provides a framework for decision making in the care of the patient with benign neural tumors of the foot.