Abstract

Schwannomas are also known as neurilemmomas which usually originate from Schwann cells located in the peripheral nerve sheaths. They usually occur in the age group of 20 to 70 years. They account for 5% of all tumors in the upper extremity. Schwannomas are usually solitary, encapsulated, and homogeneous masses and present with slowly growing masses, sometimes associated with pain and paresthesia. X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasonography (USG) are helpful in the diagnosis; however, the definite diagnosis requires histopathology. Herein, we report a rare case diagnosed as a schwannoma of the median nerve in a 59-year-old male patient. We discuss the clinical presentation, imaging, surgical findings, and functional outcomes in the light of literature data. This tumor has a good prognosis with a low recurrence rate and potential for malignant transformation. The surgical removal is usually curative.

Key words: Median nerve, neurilemmoma, schwannoma