Ancient schwannoma of the vulva.
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.
Fong
Kah Leng
KL
From the National Women's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
Bouwer
Heinrich
H
Baranyai
Judith
J
Jones
Ronald W
RW
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009442:Neurilemmoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D014846:Vulvar Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery