Presacral neurilemoma (schwannoma)--report of a rare case

A rare case of presacral neurilemoma is reported herein. Despite the large size of the tumor and the extensive destruction of the sacrum, the patient was almost asymptomatic. Accurate diagnosis depends on careful rectal examination and computerized axial tomography is the most useful single investigation. Surgery is the only treatment and for large lesions, the abdominal approach is usually preferred. Recurrence is rare and patients live a long, symptom free life even after partial resection.