Abstract
A Schwannoma is an infrequent lesion. This tumor derives from the myelin sheath of
the peripheral nerves; in most cases, it is benign and rarely presents in the foot
and ankle region. Patients affected by this type of pathology are usually asymptomatic.
Still, they sometimes have sensory or motor neurologic symptoms if the tumor is large
enough to cause direct or indirect compression of the affected nerve. A 55-year-old
male patient presented to our department with non-traumatic swelling and pain in the
lateral aspect of the right foot and leg. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
of the right leg revealed a well-circumscribed lesion, measuring 2,5 by 1 cm, showing
hypointensity on T1 sequences and hyperintensity on T2, compatible with a superficial
peroneal nerve sheath cells tumor. Surgical excision of the lesion was performed,
and the histopathological examination confirmed the initial suspicion—Schwannoma of
the superficial peroneal nerve. The postoperative period was uneventful, with progressive
improvement of pain and complete functional recovery without neurological deficits.
Rigorous clinical examination associated to MRI scans allow adequate diagnosis as
well as the exclusion of other pathologies with similar clinical presentation. Thus,
the surgeon has to be aware of all the data for an effective diagnosis and treatment
in this type of rare pathology that cannot be neglected.
Keywords
foot - nerve sheath neoplasms - peroneal nerve - schwannoma
