Abstract
Objective To analyze the epidemiological profile and evolution of 20 patients diagnosed with
upper- and lower-limb schwannomas.
Methods A group of patients was defined for a retrospective evaluation comprising the period
between February 2002 and June 2018, in which we studied and evaluated 20 medical
records of patients undergoing surgery due to schwannoma; the diagnosis was confirmed
by an anatomopathological examination.
Results Male and female patients were equally affected. The average age was 50.85 years,
ranging from 12 to 77 years. There was a predominance of the upper limb and of the
flexor face. The most affected nerve was the ulnar nerve. In total, 6 (30%) patients
had transient postoperative complications. No cases of tumor recurrence were identified.
Conclusion Schwannoma is a rare and difficult-to-diagnose lesion. It should always be considered
as a hypothesis when facing a soft-tissue tumor affecting the limbs. The Tinel sign
should be regarded, given its higher correlation with complications. The patients
should be informed of the possible postoperative complications, which are frequent
but usually transient.
Keywords
neoplasia - peripheral nerves - neurilemmoma
