Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Case Reports
. 2018 Jan 31;102(1):15.
doi: 10.5334/jbsr.1359.

Intracranial Melanotic Schwannomas: Rare and Distinctive Tumors to Know Due to their Risk of Recurrence and Metastases

Julien Collart  1 , Manon Vandeponseele  1 , Pierre Bosschaert  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Intracranial Melanotic Schwannomas: Rare and Distinctive Tumors to Know Due to their Risk of Recurrence and Metastases

Julien Collart et al. J Belg Soc Radiol. .

Abstract

Melanotic schwannomas are rare nerve sheath tumors that differentiate themselves from classical schwannomas by harboring melanin-producing cells. Intracranial localizations are uncommon, especially on the Gasserian ganglion. We performed a literature review, presenting imaging characteristics, differential diagnosis, and immunohistochemical features for identification. These tumors carry the risk of recurrence and metastases. The prognosis is uncertain. We discuss recommendations for diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: Gasserian; Intracranial; Melanotic; Schwannoma; Trigeminal.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A) CT demonstrates a well-defined petrous lacunar image (arrow). B) T1-weighted image shows the hyperintense round lesion centered on the right Meckel cavum, relying on the intrapetrous carotid artery, and generating a mass effect on the temporal lobe (arrow). D) DWI is negative. E) T2-weighted image shows the presence of cystic areas. C) and F) Axial and coronal T1-weighted images show a slightly heterogeneous enhancement after contrast administration.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Microscopic pictures of tumor cells (×40) reveal their dual Schwann and melanocytic phenotype. A) Hematoxylin-eosin staining shows plump pigmented tumorous Schwann cells. No psammomatous bodies are observed. B) Fontana staining shows the presence of melanin in tumorous Schwann cells. C) S-100 protein and D) HMB-45 confirm the diagnosis.
Figure 3
Figure 3
MET-PET/MRI shows the recurrence with a hypermetabolic activity (arrow).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Spina, A, Gagliardi, F, Boari, N, et al. Intracranial melanotic shwannomas. J Neurol Surg. 2015; 76(5): 399–406. DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1393926 - DOI - PubMed
    1. Smith, AB, Rushing, EJ and Smirniotopoulos, JG. Pigmented lesions of the central nervous system: radiologic-pathologic correlation. Radiographics. 2009; 29(5): 1503–24. DOI: 10.1148/rg.295095109 - DOI - PubMed
    1. Carrasco, CA, Rojas-Salazar, D, Chiorino, R, et al. Melanotic nonpsammomatous trigeminal schwannoma as the first manifestation of Carney complex: case report. Neurosurgery. 2006; 59(6): E1334–5. DOI: 10.1227/01.NEU.0000245608.07570.D2 - DOI - PubMed
    1. Merat, R, Szalay-Quinodoz, I, Laffitte, E, et al. Psammomatous melanotic schwannoma: a challenging histological diagnosis. Dermatopathology. 2015; 2: 67–70. DOI: 10.1159/000442708 - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Liessi, G, Barbazza, R, Sartori, F, et al. CT and MR imaging of melanocytic schwannomas; report of three cases. Eur J Radiol. 1990; 11(2): 138–142. DOI: 10.1016/0720-048X(90)90163-6 - DOI - PubMed

Publication types

LinkOut - more resources