Schwannoma of the breast: a case report and review of the literature

Tumori. 2007 May-Jun;93(3):308-11.

Abstract

Schwannoma arising within breast parenchyma is very rare. This report describes such a case in a 58-year-old woman. The tumor, which measured 4.4 x 3.5 x 2.1 cm, was painless, mobile and elastic-soft. Mammography showed a well-circumscribed, oval-shaped nodule without microcalcifications. At ultrasonography it appeared as a hypoechoic solid mass. Fine-needle cytology revealed several clusters of spindle cells indicative of a neoplasm of mesenchymal origin. Histological examination evidenced the characteristic morphological appearance of a schwannoma with Antoni A and Antoni B areas. A review of the 23 proven cases of breast schwannoma is included. The main differential diagnostic findings are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  • Breast Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Carcinoma / diagnosis
  • Desmin / analysis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Proteins / analysis
  • Neurilemmoma / chemistry
  • Neurilemmoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Neurilemmoma / pathology*
  • Neurilemmoma / surgery
  • S100 Proteins / analysis
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Desmin
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • S100 Proteins