Abstract

Schwannoma or neurilemmoma is a well-defined, benign tumor, which arises from neural crest cells and surrounds the nerve sheath. It is rare neoplasm that is typically found in the extremities, such as the thorax, head, neck, pelvis and rectum. Schwannoma localized to the pancreas is particularly rare and only a limited number of cases have been reported in the literature to date. The present study reports the case of a 30-year-old male with pancreatic schwannoma presenting with weight loss and abdominal pain. Pancreatic schwannoma was diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography-guided biopsy, which was followed by a duodenopancreatectomy. Although pancreatic schwannomas are rare, they must be considered during the differential diagnoses of cystic pancreatic masses.

Highlights

  • Schwannomas or neurilemmomas are rare neoplasms that typically occur in the peripheral nerve sheath of the extremities

  • The present study reports a patient with a pancreatic head tumor presenting with weight loss and abdominal pain

  • Schwannoma or neurilemmoma are rare, well‐defined, benign encapsulated, slow growing tumors arising from Schwann cells that encase the peripheral nerves [1‐3]

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Summary

Introduction

Schwannomas or neurilemmomas are rare neoplasms that typically occur in the peripheral nerve sheath of the extremities. Visceral localization of these tumors, pancreatic schwannomas that arise from either sympathetic or parasympathetic fibers of the pancreas, is rare [1]. The present study reports a patient with a pancreatic head tumor presenting with weight loss and abdominal pain. The pancreatic head tumor was diagnosed as a schwannoma, which was considered to be a rare case with an unusual localization. Upper abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed a hypodense mass measuring 10x7 cm arising from the head of the pancreas. Upper abdominal T1‐weighted dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a hypointense, bilobular, contoured, encapsulated mass measuring 8.7x9 cm, which exhibited cystic components arising from the head and the uncinate process of the pancreas and portal hilus; the mass encased the superior mesenteric artery and laterally replaced the portal vein.

Discussion
Findings
McCluggage WG and Bharucha H
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