Schwannoma Presenting as Infectious Fluid Collection.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pathology
• Radiology

Background:

• Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection.
• Peripheral nerve sheath tumors are rare soft tissue neoplasms.
• Atypical presentations can delay diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of schwannoma mimicking cellulitis.
• To emphasize the diagnostic challenges in differentiating infections from tumors.
• To highlight the role of imaging and pathology in diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Clinical presentation and initial treatment for suspected cellulitis.
• Point-of-care ultrasound for further evaluation.
• Surgical exploration, mass excision, and histopathological examination.

Main Results:

• Initial treatment for cellulitis was ineffective.
• Ultrasound revealed a cystic structure, initially concerning for abscess.
• Pathology confirmed a schwannoma, a benign nerve sheath tumor.

Conclusions:

• Schwannomas can present atypically, mimicking infectious processes like cellulitis.
• Peripheral nerve tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses with atypical clinical courses.
• Histopathological examination is crucial for definitive diagnosis and appropriate patient management.