Retroperitoneal schwannoma associated with neuropathic pain and electromyographic and nerve conduction abnormalities: A case report

The retroperitoneal space is an uncommon location for schwannomas. A review of the existing literature revealed that only 0.3–3.2% of these tumors are found in this location. Presenting symptoms, if any, are usually vague and include abdominal discomfort. Neuropathic pain as a presenting symptom is rare. We present the first known report of retroperitoneal schwannoma associated with both neuropathic pain and positive EMG/NCS findings. A 34-year-old woman presented initially with a lump underneath her previous cesarean section incision. She was taken to surgery for the suspected intra-abdominal mass. During surgery she was found to have a retroperitoneal mass associated with a large nerve root, so surgery was aborted and the neurosurgery team was then involved. Pre-operative evaluation revealed neuropathic pain in the distribution of the femoral nerve as well as EMG/NCS findings of femoral neuropathy and denervation. She was thus taken to surgery for resection. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of retroperitoneal schwannoma. Retroperitoneal schwannomas are usually incidental findings. If there are presenting symptoms they are usually vague abdominal complaints. While there is one report of neuropathic pain associated with retroperitoneal schwannoma, there are no previous reports of neuropathic pain with associated EMG/NCS findings. •Schwannomas involving the retroperitoneal space are rare tumors.•Usual presenting symptoms are vague abdominal complaints.•Neuropathic symptoms at presentation are not common but are presented in this report.