A large schwannoma of the middle mediastinum: A case report and review of the literature

Varied foci of primary benign schwannoma of the thorax: a case series

Schwannomas are the most common tumor of peripheral nerves. It comprises 1 to 2% of total thoracic tumor. Posterior mediastinum is the most common site in thorax. Hereby we are reporting two cases of schwannoma with different sites of origin. The classical presentation of schwannoma is an asymptomatic mass found on chest radiograph. This tumor is usually benign and slow growing. Imaging followed by histopathological examination is key to the diagnosis of this neoplasm. Resection of tumor cures the disease.

Voluminous schwannoma type 'ancient' of the cervicothoracic district removed through a cervicotomic approach

Schwannomas are generally benign tumors, well delimited, resulting from nerve sheaths that are frequently found in the thorax, mainly in the posterior mediastinum. We report a 58-year-old patient who carried out investigations following the appearance of a large right supraclavicular cervical mass associated with anisocoria and eyelid ptosis, histologically diagnosed as ancient schwannoma, completely removed through a cervicotomic approach without opening the chest.

Novel Single-Staged Posterior Retropleural Approach with Thoracoscopic Guidance for Resection of a Thoracic Dumbbell Schwannoma

Dumbbell spinal cord tumors are infrequent pathologic entities. The optimal approach to safe surgical resection is ill-defined and must often be individualized. This is assisted with multiple tumor classification systems. Here, we describe a novel technique used to safely and successfully resect a large thoracic dumbbell schwannoma originating from the left T3 spinal nerve root with extension into the posterior mediastinum adjacent to the parietal pleura and thoracic aorta. A review of the literature was performed to study described surgical approaches to primary spinal dumbbell tumors. The decision-making process and preoperative imaging for operative planning are included. A detailed description of the procedure follows with intraoperative images. Gross total resection with no neurologic sequelae was achieved. Previously described operative techniques for resection of primary spinal dumbbell tumors with advantages and limitations of each are then reviewed. Gross total resection was safely achieved utilizing a single-staged posterior retropleural approach with anterior thoracoscopic guidance. The tumor was removed en bloc through a large posterior window. The prone position was utilized for the entire case with no intraoperative repositioning required. No intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications occurred. We report a novel approach to resecting a large primary spinal dumbbell tumor. A single-stage retropleural approach with anterior thoracoscopic guidance facilitated safe and successful gross total resection. Maintenance of the prone position throughout surgery allowed for reduced operative time, excellent anterior, and posterior visualization and no added patient morbidity. Repositioning to the lateral decubitus position may not be required in select cases. 

Benign Pericardial Schwannoma: Case Report and Summary of Previously Reported Cases

Patient: Male, 30

Final Diagnosis: Benign pericardial schwannoma

Symptoms: Chest pain

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Surgery