Giant sacral schwannoma. A case report

Abstract

Study design: Case report.

Objectives: To present a rare case of a previously operated giant schwannoma located in the sacrum, and to make some considerations regarding diagnostic modalities and treatment options.

Summary of background data: Large sacral schwannomas with anterior cortex erosion and associated intrapelvic extension are uncommon. Only a few case reports and small series have been published. There is no established consensus regarding diagnostic modalities, necessity for histologic diagnosis before surgery, or best surgical option.

Methods: The patient presented with a 2-month history of right sciatica and severe low back pain. After a histopathologic diagnosis and a complete set of image studies, the resection of the tumoral mass was planned posteriorly.

Results: Seventeen months after tumor resection, the patient has a good clinical outcome, and there are no radiologic signs of instability or recurrence.

Conclusions: Considering the experience of the few cases reported in the world literature, the management of this tumor appears to grant favorable results, recurrence being the most frequent complication.