title: [Schwannoma of the femoral nerve: a rare differential diagnosis of leg pain].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Schwannomas (neurinomas) are among the most frequent peripheral nerve tumors. Nevertheless, these are seldom located in the lower extremities in association with the femoral nerve.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this case, the occurrence of a schwannoma adjacent to the femoral nerve is described in a patient presenting with nonspecific pain in the thigh accompanied by a palpable mass. Sensory and motor deficits were not present. Further examinations by MRI and biopsy followed by histopathology, revealed the diagnosis of a schwannoma. The tumor was completely excised.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although schwannomas of the lower extremities are rare, they should be included in the differential diagnosis. Knowing the typical clinical symptoms, radiological signs, and histopathological findings, diagnosis should be straight forward.
authors.affiliation: Orthopädische Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Deutschland. patrick.schulte@uk-essen.de
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schulte
authors.forename: I E
authors.initials: IE
authors.lastname: Sandalcioglu
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Grabellus
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Baba
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Sure
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jäger
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D001706:Biopsy; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005267:Femoral Nerve / Q000473:pathology; D020428:Femoral Neuropathy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009442:Neurilemmoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D010524:Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D013848:Thigh / Q000294:innervation
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D009418:S100 Proteins
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