Microcystic/Reticular Schwannoma Occurring in the Lumbar Spine: A Rare Case Report

Microcystic/reticular schwannoma (MRS) is a rare subtype of schwannoma characterized by distinctive histological features. It mainly occurs in the head-and-neck region and extremities. We present a case of MRS occurring in the lumbar spine, which is an exceedingly rare location for this tumor. This is the case of a middle-aged woman who presented with complaints of lower back pain radiating to the left lower limb. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated features suggestive of a myxopapillary ependymoma arising from the cauda equina at the L4-L5 vertebral level. Diagnosis of MRS was made based on the typical histopathological features and immunohistochemical positivity for the S100 marker. MRS is a rare subtype of schwannoma, which differs from classical schwannoma in several aspects. Raising awareness regarding this subtype is essential to budding pathologists to prevent their misdiagnosis as myxopapillary ependymoma.