Hidden in Plain Palm: A Rare Case of Incidental Thenar Schwannoma

Schwannomas of the hand are uncommon, and those arising from the thenar motor branch are extremely rare. Their indolent nature and overlap with ganglion cysts often delay accurate diagnosis.

A 40-year-old woman presented with a gradually progressive, painless thenar swelling, initially presumed to be a ganglion. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging failed to yield definitive findings. The mass was enucleated carefully. Histopathological examination confirmed schwannoma. The patient made a complete functional recovery.

Schwannomas in the thenar region may mimic ganglia. Imaging may not always be diagnostic. When symptoms suggest neural involvement, surgical exploration and biopsy are warranted to avoid misdiagnosis and preserve function.