# Incidental lung mass: a rare case of intrapulmonary schwannoma mimicking a pulmonary hydatid cyst

## TL;DR

A rare case of a lung schwannoma was mistaken for a hydatid cyst, highlighting the need to consider this diagnosis for incidental lung masses.

## Contribution

This case report emphasizes the diagnostic challenge of schwannomas mimicking hydatid cysts in radiological imaging.

## Key findings

- Schwannomas in the lung are rare and often asymptomatic.
- Their cystic appearance can be mistaken for pulmonary hydatid cysts in imaging.
- Schwannoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of incidental lung masses.

## Abstract

Schwannomas are rare, mostly asymptomatic neoplasms originating from peripheral nerves, with primary occurrence in the lung being exceptionally rare. Diagnosis is primarily incidental or prompted by symptoms caused by mass effect on nearby organs. Lacking characteristic clinical or radiological features, their appearance as cystic lung lesions are very likely to be confused with pulmonary hydatidosis, especially in the endemic regions. Thus, whenever an individual presents with an incidental lung mass, schwannoma needs to be considered as one of the differentials alongside other benign cystic lesions or neoplasms.