Retroperitoneal schwannoma.
BACKGROUND
Retroperitoneal schwannomas are rare, benign tumors. The aim of this study is to present our surgical experience with 7 such tumors.


METHODS
Between 1989 and 2004, 7 patients with pathologically proven retroperitoneal schwannomas were reviewed retrospectively.


RESULTS
There were 6 male patients and 1 female patient, with a mean age of 43 years (range, 23 to 58 years). Two patients were symptomatic and presented with abdominal discomfort, and none of the patients suffered from von Recklinghausen's disease. All the patients underwent computed tomography scanning, which showed a heterogenous retroperitoneal mass, 4 of which were thought to arise from the adrenals. In 2 patients, calcification was seen in the tumors. All 7 of the patients had a preoperative diagnosis of a retroperitoneal tumor including 3 patients who were thought to have adrenal neoplasms (1 patient had a diagnosis of an adrenal neoplasm excluded on magnetic resonance imaging). Laparotomy and complete excision of tumors were performed in all the patients, and there was no morbidity or mortality. The schwannomas had a mean maximum diameter of 7.3 cm (range, 4 to 14 cm), and they were all benign. At a mean follow-up of 17 months (range, 3 to 48 months) postresection, all the patients remained free from recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
Retroperitoneal schwannomas are rare tumors that are difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Radiologic findings are usually nondiagnostic. The treatment of choice is complete surgical excision.
Goh
Brian K P
BK
Department of Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608. bsgkp@hotmail.com
Tan
Yu-Meng
YM
Chung
Yaw-Fui A
YF
Chow
Pierce K H
PK
Ooi
London L P J
LL
Wong
Wai-Keong
WK
D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009442:Neurilemmoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D012186:Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009418:S100 Proteins