Adrenal Schwannoma

BACKGROUND: Adrenal schwannomas are very rare tumors that are difficult to diagnose preoperatively. We report the case of a left adrenal schwannoma incidentally discovered in a 55-year-old man during a postoperative checkup for a cutaneous malignant melanoma. METHODS: The biological evaluation was unremarkable, and the radiological examination revealed the adrenal mass that was first considered a metastatic lesion. Adrenalectomy was performed by the laparoscopic approach. RESULTS: The postoperative course was uneventful. Histological examination established the correct diagnosis of schwannoma, which was also confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. CONCLUSIONS: A nonsecreting adrenal mass can be easily misjudged, especially in the context of a recently operated on malignancy. Unilateral adrenal metastasis needs pathological confirmation, as it can dramatically affect prognosis. Unusual tumors of the adrenal gland may be found incidentally, and a malignant context will generate difficulties in establishing the right management. Complete laparoscopic excision is the treatment of choice whenever feasible and will also clarify pathology.