Metastatic Peripheral Nerve Malignant Schwannoma of Lungs and Adrenal Gland: Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Schwannoma is a rare type of tumor which grows from Schwann cells, that protect nerve extensions. The malignancy of these tumors is even rarer, corresponding to 5-10% of all sarcomas. The prognosis is dismal, even after complete surgical resection. Case report: A 79-year-old male patient presented with a crusted lesion in his left leg with two months of evolution. Initially, the biopsy of the lesion revealed pleomorphic sarcoma, but its immunohistochemical pattern was peripheral nerve sheath malignant tumor. The tumor developed lymph node, lung, and adrenal metastasis within a few years after the first diagnosis. Adrenal tumor resection was not possible. The patient developed paraneoplastic syndrome and his clinical status worsened, progressing to death. Conclusion: In view of the nonspecific form of tumor appearance and its aggressiveness, it is important to highlight the role of wide surgical resection in its treatment. In addition, it is clear that new case reports of this type of neoplasia are necessary for better definition of more appropriate conducts, especially in recurrence or metastatic cases.