A Rare Case of Hepatic Schwannoma in the Setting of Schwannomatosis

Cureus. 2024 Feb 22;16(2):e54705. doi: 10.7759/cureus.54705. eCollection 2024 Feb.

Abstract

Schwannomas are benign nerve sheath tumors commonly found in the head, neck, vestibular system, and extremities. Primary hepatic schwannomas are exceptionally rare, with 34 cases reported to date according to our review of the literature. This case report describes a 79-year-old man with a medical history of skin and thyroid cancer, who presented with no clinical symptoms and underwent a follow-up MRI due to an initial scan indicating a suspicious hepatic mass resembling an atypical hemangioma. The MRI revealed a 3.6 cm left hepatic mass concerning for an intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies of a biopsy of the liver mass confirmed the presence of a benign hepatic schwannoma. Further evaluation revealed multiple spinal schwannomas, leading to the diagnosis of schwannomatosis. The diagnosis of hepatic schwannomas poses challenges through imaging alone. This case underscores the importance of microscopic evaluation in accurately diagnosing hepatic masses. Additionally, the presence of concurrent schwannomas should be considered in patients initially diagnosed with isolated schwannomas.

Keywords: hepatic schwannoma; neurofibromatosis; schwannoma; schwannomatosis; spinal schwannoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports