# Paravertebral retroperitoneal ancient schwannoma mimicking irritable bowel syndrome

## TL;DR

A rare case of a spinal tumor caused symptoms like irritable bowel syndrome, which improved after surgery.

## Contribution

This case is the first to report increased bowel frequency caused by retroperitoneal ancient schwannoma.

## Key findings

- Symptoms resembling irritable bowel syndrome were caused by a paravertebral retroperitoneal ancient schwannoma.
- Surgical resection of the tumor relieved the gastrointestinal symptoms.
- This is a rare case linking retroperitoneal schwannoma with increased bowel activity.

## Abstract

We report a case of paravertebral retroperitoneal ancient schwannoma (RPAS) with symptoms suggestive of irritable bowel syndrome that was relieved after resection. Very few cases have been reported of RPAS with gastrointestinal symptoms. Increased bowel activity associated with RPAS has not been reported. Our case report suggests that RPAS may present with increased bowel frequency that could be relieved after surgical resection.