[Malignant epithelioid paravertebral schwannoma (author's transl)]

Tumors arising from the nerve sheaths are a controversial group of neoplasms because of disagreement regarding the clinical course and histopathologic characteristics. Malignant Schwannoma is a rare entity with aggressive biological behaviour (local infiltration and hematogenous metastases). The tumor arises from Schwann cells and may show diverse histological patterns. A malignant epithelioid paravertebral Schwannoma was diagnosed in a 48-year-old patient. Tumor metastases were demonstrated in the lungs, pericardium, liver, intestine, kidney, adrenals, bones and lymph nodes. The differential diagnosis and literature on this topic are commented on.