[Extensive multinodular schwannoma of femoral nerve].
METHODS
A 34-year-old woman contacted her general practitioner due to increasing circumference of her right thigh combined with occasional pain. The physical examination showed multiple nodular masses both in the groin and along the thigh that were painful to touch. The remainder of the physical examination was unremarkable.
Both on ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) a nodular mass was found on the right thigh extending from the groin to the inner side of the knee. A tissue biopsy with histological reviewing led to the diagnosis of a benign schwannoma. The following operation and clinical course went without major complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Peripheral schwannomas are rare, benign tumors of the nerve sheath usually appearing as round or oval masses. A schwannoma along the femoral nerve with an atypical shape of small diameter and an extension over a few decimeters has not been recorded yet. In spite of the length it is possible to treat schwannomas surgically without serious, permanent damage to the involved nerve.
Bründel
Klaus-Heinrich
KH
Facharzt für Allgemeinmedizin, Gütersloh, Germany. K.Bruendel@t-online.de
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D005267:Femoral Nerve / Q000473:pathology; D020428:Femoral Neuropathy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006119:Groin; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009442:Neurilemmoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D010524:Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013848:Thigh; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography