title: Ancient schwannoma of the vulva.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ancient schwannoma, a variant of schwannoma (previously termed neurilemoma), arises from the Schwann cells of the nerve sheath. It presents with swelling, pain, or paresthesia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 53-year-old woman presented with a history of a left vulvar swelling, which had been present for many years. The tumor was slowly increasing in size and affected activities such as sitting and walking. Occasionally, she experienced a burning sensation at the site of the swelling. Surgical excision was undertaken, and histology demonstrated an ancient schwannoma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The characteristic histological appearance seen in ancient schwannoma should prevent the erroneous diagnosis of a malignant tumor. Malignant change is exceedingly rare. Treatment is complete surgical excision.
authors.affiliation: From the National Women's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Kah Leng
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Fong
authors.forename: Heinrich
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bouwer
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Baranyai
authors.forename: Ronald W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009442:Neurilemmoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D014846:Vulvar Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery