Schwannoma Presenting as Infectious Fluid Collection

A 33-year-old female presented with finger pain, swelling, and erythema was diagnosed with cellulitis and treated with antibiotics. Persistent symptoms led to further evaluation including a point-of-care ultrasound revealing a cystic structure, concerning for abscess. Incision and drainage yielded a solid mass rather than fluid. Pathological examination revealed a schwannoma, a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor. This case highlights the rare presentation of a schwannoma mimicking an infectious process and emphasizes the importance of considering peripheral nerve tumors in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses, especially when the clinical course is atypical. It also underscores the value of pathological examination in establishing a definitive diagnosis and preventing misdiagnosis, which can have implications for patient management.