Slow and unrecognized progression of schwannoma of the sciatic nerve

Schwannoma of the sciatic nerve is a rare occurrence, responsible for aspecific symptomatology, frequently confused with nerve root deficit caused by discopathy. Diagnosis is usually made several years after onset, also because electromyographic examination is normal. Once tumor swelling has been identified, several instrumental tests and intraoperative macroscopic examination provide sufficient elements for diagnosis: histological examination shows typical aspects.