Diagnosis and therapeutic management updated on intrathoracic schwannoma

Abstract

Background: Schwannoma is a benign neoplasm derived from Schwann cells. It is usually located in the intracranial nerves, however intrathoracic presentation is possible, leading to compression of adjacent structures and symptoms. The absence of results from physical examination and the presence of mild symptoms (or absence) common to other diseases makes the diagnosis challenging, usually accomplished through imaging. Treatment consists of surgical resection by thoracotomy or thoracoscopy. This study aimed to review this subject with an emphasis on the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches currently available. Method: Articles were selected by searching the Scopus, Scielo, PubMed and Web of Science databases using the keywords: schwannoma, neurinoma, neurilemmoma, nerve tissue neoplasm, thoracotomy, thoracoscopy and mediastinal neoplasms. Results: Intrathoracic schwannoma often presents as asymptomatic and is identified during routine imaging tests. The recommended treatment is surgical resection by thoracoscopy or thoracotomy.