Subdural extramedullary melanotic schwannoma of the thoracic spinal cord: a case report

Abstract

Melanotic schwannoma is a rare "Schwann" cell tumor characterized by the deposition of melanin in the cell cytoplasm. Melanotic schwannoma varies greatly in terms of morphology and clinical manifestations. Here, we describe a patient with subdural extramedullary melanotic schwannoma of the thoracic spinal cord. The 47-year-old man presented with pain in his chest and back that had lasted a year, numbness and weakness in both his lower extremities for 20 days, and urinary retention for 4 days. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a subdural extramedullary lesion at the level of the T2-T4 thoracic spinal cord. A total resection of the mass was performed. A diagnosis of melanotic schwannoma was made based on the histopathological examination. During the six-month follow-up period, no recurrence of the tumor was observed. A long-term follow-up will be necessary to fully evaluate this case.