Presacral Schwannoma With Purely Cystic Form

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: To point out that presacral schwannoma can display markedly cystic degeneration. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Benign schwannoma sometimes displays degenerative changes, such as cyst formation, calcification, hemorrhage, and hyalinization. Usually these degenerations are partially seen in the tumors. METHODS: Medical history, physical findings, imaging features, and histologic findings were reviewed in a case with a large presacral schwannoma. RESULTS: A 62-year-old woman presented with an 18-month history of right sciatic pain. Magnetic resonance images detected a large cystic, presacral tumor. Initially the tumor was misdiagnosed as a cystic ovarian tumor. Preoperative diagnostic workup led to the diagnosis of cystic schwannoma. Intralesional curettage achieved good pain relief. CONCLUSIONS: This tumor was unusual in its totally cystic appearance and resemblance to a cystic ovarian tumor or anterior sacral meningocele. Preoperative diagnosis is important to prevent major neurologic deficit at surgery.