Rapid Progression of a T3-T4 Paraspinal Schwannoma in a Young Female

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 16; no. 6; p. e62773
• Main Authors: Rupareliya, Riya, Khadka, Monica, Reid, Devaun M, Taylor, Scott
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Cureus Inc 20.06.2024
• Subjects: Biopsy; Case reports; Females; Magnetic resonance imaging; Medicine; Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; Pain; Pathology; Patients; Tumors; Ultrasonic imaging; United States > US; neuropathic pain; rapid-growing tumor; paraspinal schwannoma; peripheral nerve sheath tumors; tinel test
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62773

This case report presents an unusual incidence of a T3-T4 paraspinal schwannoma in a 22-year-old female, highlighting its clinical significance due to its atypical presentation and growth rate. Schwannomas, benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors, are typically slow-growing and present with minimal or no neuropathic symptoms. However, this case deviated from the norm, with the patient experiencing significant neuropathic pain and rapid tumor growth from 37 mm to 55 mm over a period of six months, necessitating surgical intervention. Unique to this case was the presence of a positive Tinel sign and localized neuropathic back pain, features not commonly associated with paraspinal schwannomas. Through MRI and histological evaluation, the diagnosis of schwannoma was confirmed, underlining the necessity of considering paraspinal schwannomas in differential diagnoses for patients presenting similar symptoms. This case contributes to the medical literature by emphasizing the variability in presentation and growth rates of schwannomas, reinforcing the need for a thorough evaluation and an individualized approach to management in young patients presenting with neuropathic pain and positive neurological signs.