Intraabdominal Schwannomas: single-center experience

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Intraabdominal schwannomas are rare benign tumors. In this study, we aimed to present our clinical experience in patients with intrabdominally located Schwannoma.

MATERIAL-METHOD: Patients who received the diagnosis of intrabdominal schwannoma between 2011-2019 were retrospectively examined. Demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment methods, short- and long-term results and immunohistochemical characteristics of the patients were analyzed.

RESULTS: A total of 7 patients were included in the study. Four patients were female and three were male. The mean age was 51.5 (31-63) years. The most common clinical presentation was abdominal pain (57.1%). Tumor location was stomach (n=2), pelvic region (n=2), rectum (n=1), retropancreas (n=1), and left juxtadrenal space (n=1). Postoperative wound infection developed in one patient and pancreatic fistula complication was seen in one patient. Re-admissions to the hospital were due to anemia and pleural effusion in two patients. The mean tumor diameter was 6 cm (0.3-13 cm). All patients were S 100 strongly positive Mitoses / 50 HPFs (high power field), <2 Ki67 <3%. The mean follow-up period was 60 months. Currently, 5 patients are being followed without disease, 1 patient survives despite recurrence and 1 patient has died due to non-cancer reasons.

CONCLUSION: Intrabdominal schwannomas are rare tumors which most commonly exhibit gastrointestinal involvement. Since these tumors are mostly benign, the long-term prognosis of patients is good. Schwannoma should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of intrabdominal masses. Radical resections with high morbidity and mortality should be avoided if preoperative diagnosis is made.