A case of cellular schwannoma

Abstract

Cellular schwannoma, a variant of schwannoma, is a rare, benign, nerve sheath tumor which presents as a slowly-growing tumor in the paravertebral region of the mediastinum and retroperitoneum in middle-aged adults. Cutaneous involvement is very rare. Histopathologically, the tumor is characterized by the presence of compact spindle cells arranged into fascicles, variable nuclear hyperchromasia and pleomorphism, lack of Verocay bodies and typical predominence of Antoni A areas. There may also be occasional increased mitoses and foci of necrosis. We report a case of cellular schwannoma involving subcutaneous tissue, which is a very rare location.