Work

Malignant retroperitoneal schwannoma in a young adult: rapid recurrence, metastasis, and treatment reflections—a case report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Retroperitoneal schwannoma, a rare mesenchymal-derived tumor originating from the retroperitoneum. Malignant retroperitoneal schwannoma carries a dismal prognosis. We present a case of a 19-year-old male who presented with left abdominal pain. Imaging examination revealed a large retroperitoneal mass (16×12×9 cm) in the left upper quadrant. Pathological examination following surgical resection confirmed the diagnosis of malignant schwannoma, with a notably high Ki-67 proliferation index of 50%. Despite radical resection, the tumor recurred with metastases to the ilium and sacrum within two years postoperatively. The patient ultimately discontinued treatment due to disease progression. This case underscores the aggressive nature of retroperitoneal malignant schwannoma, characterized by rapid local recurrence, distant metastasis, and resistance to surgical cure. These findings emphasize the urgent need for effective postoperative adjuvant therapies to improve outcomes in this highly malignant entity.

Source: Frontiers in Oncology

DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1588573

Authors: Zeming Zhao, Shaoqing Fan, Donghao Yu, Guiying Wang

Institutions: Hebei Medical University, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Neurofibromatosis and Schwannoma Cases

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801