Scalp schwannomas as a rare entity with common misdiagnoses: A case report and systematic literature review

Background: Scalp schwannomas are rare, benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors often misdiagnosed due to their nonspecific presentation. They typically present as slow-growing, painless subcutaneous nodules, most commonly in the occipital region. Case Description: We report a 29-year-old female with a gradually enlarging, painless occipital scalp nodule for 7 months. Clinically, it was suspected to be a lipoma or pilar cyst. Excision under local anesthesia revealed a well-encapsulated, yellowish mass. Histopathology confirmed a benign schwannoma. The patient had an uneventful recovery with no recurrence at 6-month follow-up. Conclusion: Scalp schwannomas, though rare, exhibit characteristic clinical and histopathological features. They are frequently misdiagnosed due to their rare occurrence as well as their clinical and radiological resemblance to other benign lesions. Complete surgical excision is the preferred treatment, offering an excellent prognosis with minimal risk of recurrence. Extended follow-up is recommended to monitor potential late recurrences.