Diagnostic challenge in parathyroid imaging: incidental schwannoma mimicking primary hyperparathyroidism on 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT

Schwannomas, or neurilemomas, are non-malignant tumors arising from Schwann cells, which are responsible for producing the myelin sheath around nerves. Typically these tumors are well-encapsulated, slow-growing and most commonly located in the head and neck regions [1]. Occurrence in the mediastinum or abdominal cavity is relatively rare. Even though they are mostly benign, their clinical presentation may vary depending on their size and anatomical location, potentially leading to compressive symptoms. Diagnosis is typically established through a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), complemented by electrophysiological studies and histopathological confirmation via biopsy.