SCHWANNOMA AT THE OBTURATOR NERVE AS DIFF ERENTIAL-DIAGNOSIS IN CYSTIC OVARIAN TUMOR

We report on a case of benign retroperitoneal schwannoma involving the obturator nerve. Discussing the difficulties of diagnosis and treatme nt the following became clear: 1.) Clinical examination, ultrasound an d computed tomography are not helpful to differentiate a retroperitone al schwannoma from a cystic ovarian tumour; this problem can perhaps b e overcome by MR imaging. 2.) The diagnosis should be borne in mind in cases of retroperitoneal rumours of unclear origin. Appropriate surge ry is necessary to avoid nerve damage and paralysis.