A Case of Multiple Plexiform Schwannomas

Schwannoma is a slow-growing nerve sheath tumour comprising differentiated neoplastic Schwann cells. The plexiform variant of schwannoma grows in a plexiform or multinodular pattern and may be conventional or of cellular type. Clinically, they manifest as single, skin-coloured tumours along the distribution of peripheral or cranial nerves. This tumour usually ranges between 2 and 4 cm in size, common sites of localization being the head or the flexor aspect of the extremities. The tumour may be associated with neurofibromatosis Type 2 (but not with neurofibromatosis Type 1). The majority are biphasic tumours containing compact areas (Antoni A tissue) showing occasional nuclear palisading (Verocay bodies), alternating with loosely arranged foci (Antoni B tissue). Here, we report a case of a 37-year-old female patient, with complaints of swellings over the right forearm, right wrist and right hand. Biopsy specimens were sent from each of the swellings for histopathological evaluation. The final impression of plexiform schwannoma was made based on the microscopical examination of hematoxylin-and-eosin-stained sections.