[Intracerebral schwannoma: case report]

We report a well-documented case of intracerebral schwannoma, presenting as a cystic and solid parietal mass, arising in a 20-year-old woman. Possible mechanisms underlying the histogenesis of this rare lesion are discussed.

The clinical, radiological and pathological features are described. The relevant literature is reviewed.

The patient presented seizures and elevated intracranial pressure. Neuroradiologic findings showed a right parietal lesion with cystic and tissular components, intensely enhanced after injecting intravenous gadolinium. The tumor was removed through a right parietal craniotomy. Histological and immunochemical features confirmed the diagnostic of intracerebral schwannoma. The patient is alive without progressive local disease or metastasis. The origin of intracerebral schwannomas has been the source of much controversy. The most popular hypothesis argues that these tumors arise from the proliferation of Schwann cells in the perivascular nerve plexii.

Intracerebral schwannoma is an extremely rare benign tumor. About fifty cases have been reported. The importance of recognizing this tumor is stressed, particularly in younger patients, given its benign nature, radiological resemblance to other tumors and favorable response to resection without toxic treatment.