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Published on: January 17, 2018
Adrenal schwannoma
Eugen Târcoveanu1, Gabriel Dimofte, Costel Bradea
1First Surgical Clinic, "St. Spiridon" Hospital, University of Medicine, Iaçsi, Romania. etarco@iasi.mednet.ro
JSLS : Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons
|April 16, 2009
Summary
Adrenal schwannomas are rare tumors, often misdiagnosed as metastases, especially after cancer surgery. This case highlights the importance of pathological confirmation for adrenal masses and successful laparoscopic excision.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Adrenal schwannomas are rare adrenal gland tumors.
- Preoperative diagnosis is challenging.
- Often mistaken for metastatic lesions, particularly in cancer patients.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old man with a history of cutaneous malignant melanoma incidentally found to have a left adrenal mass.
- Initial radiological assessment suggested a metastatic lesion.
- Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed.
Findings:
- Histological examination and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the adrenal mass as a schwannoma.
- The postoperative course was uneventful.
- The schwannoma was non-secreting.
Implications:
- Non-secreting adrenal masses require careful evaluation, especially in patients with a history of malignancy.
- Distinguishing adrenal metastasis from benign tumors is crucial for patient prognosis.
- Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is an effective treatment for adrenal schwannomas, aiding in definitive diagnosis.
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