Schwannoma of Lateral Sural Cutaneous Nerve

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) are exceedingly rare, with the majority being benign. Schwannomas, which are benign neoplasms of the peripheral nerve sheath, are composed entirely of Schwann cells.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To report a rare case of schwannoma originating from the lateral sural nerve in a patient who presented with pain and localized swelling over the right ankle.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 51-year-old female presented to the orthopedic opd at Krishna Hospital, Karad, with complaints of pain in her right ankle. Clinical examination and investigations revealed a painful mass near the sural nerve. MRI findings indicated a tumor of the sural nerve. Surgical excision of the mass was performed, and histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma. This case report discusses the patient’s presentation along with insights into the occurrence of schwannomas in the lower extremity, and recommendations for their investigation and management.

RESULTS: A solitary schwannoma arising from the lateral sural nerve is a highly rare occurrence. The most common symptom is a palpable, painful mass located on the posterolateral aspect of the ankle, with associated neurological symptoms often resulting from compression of the nerve or adjacent structures.

CONCLUSION: Clinicians should consider schwannoma as a potential diagnosis when encountering a well-defined, oval, subcutaneous mass on the posterior aspect of the lower leg and should proceed with caution in diagnosing swellings in these areas.

Categories: Orthopaedics