Peripheral Schwannoma Presenting as a Retro-Malleolar Mass: A Case Report

Cureus. 2023 Jul 19;15(7):e42137. doi: 10.7759/cureus.42137. eCollection 2023 Jul.

Abstract

Schwannomas are rare peripheral nerve tumors that can present with diverse clinical manifestations. They commonly present as solitary, encapsulated masses and can occur in various locations throughout the body. This case report presents a comprehensive analysis of a peripheral schwannoma in a 29-year-old male patient who presented with numbness, pain, and paresthesias on the plantar aspect of the left foot. The symptoms progressively worsened, impacting the patient's daily activities. Physical examination revealed tenderness on the medial aspect of the left foot, along with prolonged episodes of paresthesia and recurrent numbness. Imaging studies confirmed the presence of a retro-malleolar mass, consistent with a peripheral schwannoma. The patient underwent successful surgical excision of the mass, resulting in complete resolution of symptoms. This case emphasizes the importance of considering peripheral schwannomas in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with foot symptoms and highlights the effectiveness of surgical excision as a treatment modality for these tumors.

Keywords: case report; differential diagnosis; numbness; pain; paresthesias; peripheral schwannoma; plantar foot; surgical excision; treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports