[Retroperitoneal schwannoma]

Schwannomas, also called neurilemmomas, are a rare type of tumour in the body and even more rare in the retroperitoneal cavity. They arise from Schwann cells of the peripheral nerves. Retroperitoneal Schwannomas are rare and they account for 0.7 to 2.7% of all Schwannomas. They are slow growing tumours, and their location in the retroperitoneum is associated with poor clinical symptoms, and is often an incidental radiographic finding. Although it is a histologically benign tumour, we must not under-estimate the damage caused by compression of adjacent structures, as well as the rare but possible malignant transformation. We present this case as a casual finding after a systematic examination of the patient performed for assessment of his hypertension, with an abdominal mass being the principal finding.