Retroperitoneal schwannomas

BACKGROUND: Retroperitoneal schwannomas are very rare and are usually found incidentally. CASES REPORT: Two rare cases of retroperitoneal schwannomas are reported. Both were incidentally found during US scans for non-specific epigastric pain and were initially diagnosed as non-secreting retroperitoneal tumors. The diagnosis was confirmed by CT scan. In both patients the tumors were resected. The definitive diagnosis was possible by histopathology. CONCLUSIONS: Although the preoperative assessment of a retroperitoneal tumor may be indicative of a retroperitoneal schwannoma, the definitive diagnosis is possible only by histopathology after surgical removal of the tumor.