GIANT SACRAL SCHWANNOMA - A CASE-REPORT

Study Design. Case report. Objectives. To present a rare case of a pre viously operated giant schwannoma located in the sacrum, and to make s ome considerations regarding diagnostic modalities and treatment optio ns. Summary of Background Data. Large sacral schwannomas with anterior cortex erosion and associated intrapelvic extension are uncommon. Onl y a few case reports and small series have been published. There is no established consensus regarding diagnostic modalities, necessity for histologic diagnosis before surgery, or best surgical option. Methods. The patient presented with a 2-month history of right sciatica and se vere low back pain. After a histopathologic diagnosis and a complete s et of image studies, the resection of the tumoral mass was planned pos teriorly. Results. Seventeen months after tumor resection, the patient has a good clinical outcome, and there are no radiologic signs of ins tability or recurrence. Conclusions. Considering the experience of the few cases reported in the world literature, the management of this tu mor appears to grant favorable results, recurrence being the most freq uent complication.