Giant sacral schwannoma - A case report

Study Design. Case report. Objectives. To present a rare case of a previously operated giant schwannoma located in the sacrum, and to make some considerations regarding diagnostic modalities and treatment options. Summary of Background Data. Large sacral schwannomas with anterior cortex erosion and associated intrapelvic extension are uncommon. Only 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 severe low back pain. After a histopathologic diagnosis and a complete set of image studies, the resection of the tumoral mass was planned posteriorly. Results. Seventeen months after tumor resection, the patient has a good clinical outcome, and there are no radiologic signs of instability or recurrence. Conclusions. Considering the experience of the few cases reported in the world literature, the management of this tumor appears to grant favorable results, recurrence being the most frequent complication.