Giant thoracolumbar intraspinal schwannoma: A case report and review of the literature

Nerve sheath tumors account for approximately 30% of all spinal cord tumors, with schwannomas and neurofibromas being the most common types. These benign lesions often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size sufficient to compress adjacent neural structures. We present a case of a giant thoracolumbar intraspinal schwannoma successfully resected with no recurrence at 13 month follow-up. A 73-year-old Asian woman with controlled hypertension presented with a 2 year history of progressive low back pain, bilateral lower limb numbness, and weakness. MRI revealed an intradural extramedullary tumor extending from T10 to L1. The patient underwent T10-T12 total laminectomy with complete tumor resection and posterolateral bone grafting. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry (S100+, SOX10+) confirmed schwannoma. No recurrence was observed at 13 months postoperatively. Complete microsurgical resection of giant thoracolumbar intraspinal schwannoma is safe and effective. Longterm follow-up is recommended to monitor for recurrence.