Case report shows schwannoma in an atypical location, implying diagnostic challenges in similar cases.
Background: Schwannomas are benign, slow-growing tumors that originate from Schwann cells of peripheral nerves. While commonly found in the head, neck, and flexor surfaces of extremities, their occurrence in the foot is rare, especially on the dorsal aspect. This unusual location often poses diagnostic challenges. Research design: We describe a 69-year-old male with a gradually enlarging and symptomatic right foot dorsal mass that had been present for five decades. The mass was mobile, bluish, and non-tender over the second web space. Ultrasound and MRI showed a well-defined, calcified subcutaneous mass with peripheral vascularity and heterogeneous enhancement but not definitive for schwannoma. Given the lesion’s long duration, worsening symptoms, and inconclusive imaging results, surgical excision was performed. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma. Postoperative recovery was smooth, except for localized numbness. Conclusion: This case highlights that schwannomas can present with atypical radiological and clinical features, and a definitive diagnosis typically depends on histopathology.
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Al-Fakhroo et al. (2026) studied this question.
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