Schwannoma of the digital nerve

Abstract

Schwannomas are the most common benign tumours affecting the peripheral nervous system. They represent a benign proliferation of Schwann cells. Schwannomas and other peripheral nerve sheath tumours are common in the head and neck, spine, thorax, abdominal wall, and retroperitoneum. However, localization in hand is exceptional. We present a 22-years-old female patient diagnosed and operated on for schwannoma of the digital nerve (dorsal cutaneous branch originating from the palmar cutaneous branch of ulnar nerve). In the case of a palpable hand mass, one of the possible diagnoses is schwannoma, and since the operative technique is somewhat specific with tumour enucleation and internal neurolysis, it is necessary to preoperatively keep in mind schwannoma in the differential diagnosis.