An unusual cause of adnexal mass: fallopian tube schwannoma

Abstract

Background. Schwannoma is a well-defined, usually benign tumor arising from the Schwann cells in the nerve sheath. It can present in any location as a solitary mass; however, it is rarely found in the pelvis. Case. We report a 40-year-old female patient with a pelvic mass, which revealed tubal schwannoma after complete resection of the mass and uterus by laparotomy. Conclusion. Schwannomas are thought to result from a proliferation of perineural cells. Although origin along the nerves of the retroperitoneal space is not uncommon, these tumors rarely present as pelvic masses. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.