# Giant Retroperitoneal Schwannoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature

## TL;DR

A rare case of a large retroperitoneal schwannoma in an elderly woman is reported, with successful surgical removal and confirmed diagnosis through histology and immunohistochemistry.

## Contribution

This case adds to the limited literature on giant retroperitoneal schwannomas and highlights diagnostic and surgical considerations.

## Key findings

- A 72-year-old woman had a large retroperitoneal schwannoma successfully removed surgically.
- Histology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the schwannoma diagnosis with characteristic features.
- Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged within two weeks.

## Abstract

Retroperitoneal schwannomas are rare benign tumors of peripheral nerve sheath origin. We report a 72-year-old woman presenting with abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, and intermittent fever. CT imaging revealed a large (83 × 83 × 104 mm), well-circumscribed retroperitoneal mass with calcifications and heterogeneous enhancement, without invasion of adjacent structures. Following multidisciplinary discussion among thoracic surgery, medical oncology, pathology, and radiation oncology, a midline laparotomy was performed, and the tumor was completely excised. Histology demonstrated Antoni A and B areas, cystic degeneration, and focal palisading. Immunohistochemistry was positive for SOX10 and negative for CD34, DOG1, and desmin, confirming schwannoma. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on day 14. We also conducted a focused review.