Abdominal wall schwannoma: a case report

Schwannomas or neurilemmomas are benign and slow-growing tumors that arise exclusively from Schwann cells in peripheral nerve sheaths. These neoplasms theoretically can occur anywhere in the body, but they most frequently affect extremities, as well as head and neck region. However, their presentation in the abdominal wall is extremely rare and only few cases have been reported in the literature. Subcutaneous lesions may be asymptomatic and only incidentally discovered upon physical examination or imaging. However, occasionally they induce mass effects on surrounding large nerves. We present the case of a 34-year-old man with abdominal wall pain localized in the right iliac fossa and palpable subcutaneous mass. Ultrasound and CT scan revealed a solid well-defined mass of the abdominal wall. Following surgical excision under general anesthesia, histological examination was consistent with the diagnosis of benign schwannoma.