Schwannoma of the Adrenal Gland: A case report

Chun, Yong Chan; Sung, Sun Hee; Park, Chan Il

Abstract

Retroperitoneum is often the site of occurrence of schwannoma, but reports on schwanoma of the adrenal gland is exceptional and only 4 cases have been documented in the literature. This report is to add one such case occurred in a 53 year-old male who had anorexia, nausea and indigestion for one month. Whole body bone scan and abdominal CT scan revealed a 10 cm sized solid mass at upper pole of the left kidney. Under the impression of renal cell carcinoma, an operation was performed. The tumor was well encapsulated and appeared not to involve the kidney. The cut surfaces were light yellow and seemed to be composed of several hard lobules with areas of mucoid, cystic and calcific changes. No adrenal gland was identified grossly. But microscopically, the tumor was found to be partly surrounded by a small portion of adrenal cortical tissue. Histologically the tumor was a typical schwannoma with Verocay bodies, although modified in some extents by mucoid degeneration, cystic change, hyaline change and focal calcification. It is worthwhile to remember that the retroperitoneal schwannoma commonly had a huge size, sometimes involving the adjacent structures.