A Rare Case of Pancreatic Schwannoma

Cureus. 2022 Jun 6;14(6):e25688. doi: 10.7759/cureus.25688. eCollection 2022 Jun.

Abstract

Pancreatic schwannoma is a neuroendocrine cell tumor that arises in the pancreas. It is very rare, and, to date, only fewer than 70 similar cases have been reported in the literature. Here, we present another case of this type of tumor in a 68-year-old female. In addition to describing the pancreatic schwannoma, we discuss the major challenges associated with its diagnosis and management. As such, clinically and on imaging, pancreatic schwannomas are almost indistinguishable from other cancerous or benign pancreatic tumors. Therefore, only a biopsy can definitively diagnose pancreatic schwannomas by demonstrating spindle-shaped cells with immunohistochemistry positive for S-100. Because pancreatic schwannomas are very rare, it is important to increase awareness among clinicians about this condition and inform them regarding the challenges associated with its diagnosis and management.

Keywords: pancreatic mass; pancreatic schwannoma; pancreatic tumor; rare tumor; schwannoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports