Retrobulbar cellular schwannoma. Two cases report and review of the literature

Pathol Res Pract. 2003;199(3):171-4. doi: 10.1078/0344-0338-00371.

Abstract

Cellular schwannoma is a variant of classical schwannoma that is characterized by high cellularity. As it is accompanied by mitotic figures, it is easily mistaken for a malignant neoplasm. However, hyalinized thick-walled blood vessels, an alternating growth pattern of spindle-shaped neoplastic cells, and even Verocay bodies can be found. It is most commonly seen in the paravertebral area, particularly in the mediastinum and retroperitoneum. Retrobulbar cellular schwannoma is uncommon, and only one case has been reported to date. In this study, we report two additional cases of retrobulbar cellular schwannoma that recurred two years after surgery. We suggest that the patient be given an aggressive postoperative treatment because a successful, complete excision cannot be guaranteed at such an anatomic site.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Meningioma / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / surgery
  • Neurilemmoma / pathology*
  • Neurilemmoma / surgery
  • Orbital Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Orbital Neoplasms / surgery
  • Vision Disorders / etiology